How to get lower Alk with IO Reef Crystals?

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Yes, moisture can mobilize the alk and calcium allow them to interact and form insoluble calcium carbonate.

Any time someone asks if clumped salt is OK, my response is check the alkalinity. If it is OK, the salt mix is OK. If it is low, you might toss it, or at least supplement the alk (and maybe calcium) back in.

Heat also accelerates the precipitation of calcium carbonate. Some high alk mixes (e.g., Red Sea Coral Pro) warn against too much heating or mixing of new salt water for that reason.

 

[nano reef]

Yes, moisture can mobilize the alk and calcium allow them to interact and form insoluble calcium carbonate.

Any time someone asks if clumped salt is OK, my response is check the alkalinity. If it is OK, the salt mix is OK. If it is low, you might toss it, or at least supplement the alk (and maybe calcium) back in.

Heat also accelerates the precipitation of calcium carbonate. Some high alk mixes (e.g., Red Sea Coral Pro) warn against too much heating or mixing of new salt water for that reason.

Thanks for response. I better ditch that pump or just use it to pump water in. Its a good size off brand pump I got off amazon. I think It was being used for ponds and waterfalls maybe. It said 6 ft lift but really heats up water. I am going to start pumping water into my laundry room sink close by as soon as I get a longer hose, so I will need a strong lift.

I know some people use timers on their bins of mixed saltwater. I just let mine run. Is that bad or should I use a timer? If so what is a good recommendation to run it for? I have a big wavemaker I can use instead of pump for aeriation! I usually mix up day before and may only store for few days for my other tanks water change. Do I need to keep it heated at all or just before I put water in tank?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I didn't stir mine at all after fist mixing. Unless it has organics added to it, it is fine sitting still for months.

 

[nano reef]

I didn't stir mine at all after fist mixing. Unless it has organics added to it, it is fine sitting still for months.

Okay cool! Thanks! You have been a big help!

 

[midwestreef]

In my experience i usually have to add alk to reef crystals before adding to my tank, i only run my alk at 9, but everytime i do a waterchange my alk spikes low to around 8.

 

[Mike konesky]

In my experience i usually have to add alk to reef crystals before adding to my tank, i only run my alk at 9, but everytime i do a waterchange my alk spikes low to around 8.

Might want to check your refractometer. Rc always mixes 11+. No way it's causing a drop in alk.

 

[JMetaxas]

After 24-48 hours of mixing, my RC is never higher than 9dKh.