Raising PH in New Salt Water Mix

[Biglurr54]

I have noticed that my ph in my tank drops when I run my automatic water changes. (2.5g in 220g system 2x a day). I use instant ocean salt. It has higher Alk then I run in my display tank so I add Muriatic Acid to the newly mixed salt water to bring the Alk down. This works well bringing the Alk into range but it drops the pH out. I run the mixing pump with good surface agitation for 24hrs after mixing the salt and muriatic acid but the pH is still low and it registers on the display tank when I have my automatic water change going.

Is there something that I can do to raise the pH in the new salt water mix tank?

 

[Roy Arena]

What is the Alk and pH of the instant ocean before adding the acid? What is the Alk and pH after adding the acid?

 

[JimWelsh]

"Surface agitation" is insufficient to equilibriate the elevated CO2 in your new salt water mix. You should aerate it vigorously with a bigger air pump and air stone than you think you need, preferably with outside air instead of inside air that itself has elevated CO2, while monitoring the pH. That should do the trick.