parameters falling off on stored saltwater

nebraska dreamin · Jun 6, 2015

Ive been using "Salinity" by aquavitro and noticed after a couple days dkh drops from 10-7.6 any ideas how to keep dkh stable until it is used, no longer than 5 days

Randy Holmes-Farley · Jun 6, 2015

Was it clear when it was tested? Any cloudiness will give false high readings for alk as the solid calcium carbonate will dissolve in an alk test.

That said, they do claim it will be about 10-11 dKH, and as time goes by, calcium carbonate will precipitate, especially if you have a pump or heater in it (heat accelerates the precipitation).

FWIW, 7.6 dKH is fine for a salt mix.

nebraska dreamin · Jun 7, 2015

thanks for your reply! yes it was clear, no cloudiness, but I have noticed a bit of precipitate in the bottom of the bucket. i use a doser to do about a one gallon wc daily and have noticed precipitate creep up the inline. I dont agitate w an airstone or pump as it gets used within 4-5 days. i figured i might try doing a gradual continual water change to keep all parameters stable and it seems to work so far, but my SPS growth is average. am i just being impatient?

Downbeach · Jun 8, 2015

I make up my water the same day I do a WC, about every two weeks. As a result my Ca and Alk drop a bit from precipitation since I keep two PH's running, one in the bottom for circulation, one at the top for aeration. Over time I have learned to use this to my advantage, and using an ounce each of Ca and alk supplements match it to my tanks #'s before I do the WC, so it doesn't skew my dosing.

Randy Holmes-Farley · Jun 8, 2015

FWIW, I use my IO for water changes over 1-2 months.

I personally wouldn't worry much about the changes in the new salt water.

nebraska dreamin · Jun 9, 2015

thanks for the replies guys. there are so many things to think about and worry about in this hobby, and our water source is one thing i think can get overlooked