Alkalinity Off with Tropic Marine Reef Pro

[Potatohead]

Check with another alkalinity test. There is no way this salt is mixing at 12+ dkh. This salt mixes in the 7-8 range.

Also for your tank to go from 8 to 9.3 dkh after a 10% water change, the dkh of the new water would need to be approximately 21. So I suspect testing error.

 

[shred5]

Something is weird here.
A 10 percent water change will not raise alk that much.
Have you calibrated your refractometer? Have you done it with calibration solution?
I have had bad batches of calibration solution many times too so you may want to check that.

Alk test kits are not too accurate either and I have had bad test kits. Check exp dates too.

That said I have had bad batches of salt several times but never TM.
I just had one with magnesium off the chart. I always test a new batch of salt because of issues with bad salt.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Before assuming you are off on numbers, get a second opinion on levels- taking a sample to your trusted pet store. I would suggest a buffer although I am not a fan of buffers but in some cases, they do fix a low level issue.
Me- I'd try a different salt mix and see if there is a change in this result. Most salt manufacturers sell a 10 gallon box/pouch mix which will allow you to see results without a large investment in a bucket

 

[DHill6]

I had previous problems with the 200g bucket(s) also, 3 of them. All three bags , were mixed after receiving. Calcium was vey high, 600+ wouldn't read on Hanna meters also. I contacted rep from TM, he sent another bucket which was lower but still high in CA. I switched to Red Sea blue, used about half the bucket and went back to TM Pro. This time the smaller bucket, it's been mixing fine. Alk is testing at 8. I also mixed the bag before using it. It's in a closet in the house. Not storing it in garage, temp range is consistent.

 

[vetteguy53081]

I had previous problems with the 200g bucket(s) also, 3 of them. All three bags , were mixed after receiving. Calcium was vey high, 600+ wouldn't read on Hanna meters also. I contacted rep from TM, he sent another bucket which was lower but still high in CA. I switched to Red Sea blue, used about half the bucket and went back to TM Pro. This time the smaller bucket, it's been mixing fine. Alk is testing at 8. I also mixed the bag before using it. It's in a closet in the house. Not storing it in garage, temp range is consistent.

My suspect would be the salt