Does salt mix have anything to do with pH?

[ThunderGoose]

I set my tank up last December and I'm doing a one year re-evaluation to see if there are things I can improve. I use IO reef crystal and my tank pH has been consistently 7.8 - 7.9, regardless of windows open or closed and even after I added a macroalgae refugium. I don't want to chase pH but I'd like to see it a bit higher.

So, my question: does the salt mix you use have any effect on pH? I'd love to have folks chime in with their pH and salt brand.

thanks.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I set my tank up last December and I'm doing a one year re-evaluation to see if there are things I can improve. I use IO reef crystal and my tank pH has been consistently 7.8 - 7.9, regardless of windows open or closed and even after I added a macroalgae refugium. I don't want to chase pH but I'd like to see it a bit higher.

So, my question: does the salt mix you use have any effect on pH? I'd love to have folks chime in with their pH and salt brand.

thanks.

Not really.

pH is determine mathematically by the carbon dioxide level in the tank (usually driven by the home air levels of CO2) and the carbonate alkalinity.

Assuming the salt mix is not controlling the alkalinity, then the salt mix brand won't matter.

 

[ThunderGoose]

Thanks, Randy. I knew you'd know the answer. It's great having a chemist on here for these sorts of questions.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Thanks, Randy. I knew you'd know the answer. It's great having a chemist on here for these sorts of questions.

You're welcome and thanks!

Happy Reefing.