Red Sea Alk Flakes

[DHill6]

Red Sea Alk causing flakes. Bottle is marked good through 5/2024. I shake it before pouring into the cup. When it hits the water it looks like a snowstorm of flakes. It’s in a warm house, it’s not cold. Anyone have a suggestion? This can’t be good going into the DT.

 

[AdamNC]

It’s fine. That’s the natural reaction when the Alkalinity hits the water. That is why it’s stated to dose in a high flow area not directed at corals.

 

[dragon99]

Somewhat normal. Try adding the solution slower or in front of a power head.

http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2005-07/rhf/#6

 

[DHill6]

Thanks for above replies. I thought it was odd, previously didn’t notice this with the Red Sea or TM All for one. I thought maybe it was the Red Sea brand. TM All For One was very clear. New using Zeovit so I’m watching everything.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Thanks for above replies. I thought it was odd, previously didn’t notice this with the Red Sea or TM All for one. I thought maybe it was the Red Sea brand. TM All For One was very clear. New using Zeovit so I’m watching everything.

It is a result of high pH additives, causing temporary precipitation of magnesium hydroxide. Low pH alk additives do not do it, although that by itself is not a reason to pick them.

 

[DHill6]

It is a result of high pH additives, causing temporary precipitation of magnesium hydroxide. Low pH alk additives do not do it, although that by itself is not a reason to pick them.

I use a ph scrubber with soda lime from a med vet supplier. Started Zeovit. Not dosing anything else.

 

[DHill6]

It is a result of high pH additives, causing temporary precipitation of magnesium hydroxide. Low pH alk additives do not do it, although that by itself is not a reason to pick them.

Red Sea Alk reads ‘with buffers’

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Red Sea Alk reads ‘with buffers’

The term "buffers" in the reefing word always includes both carbonate (which is high pH) and bicarbonate (which is low pH) as well as mixtures of the two. It might also include hydroxide (very high pH) since it serves the same function, but it is mostly a DIY.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I use a ph scrubber with soda lime from a med vet supplier. Started Zeovit. Not dosing anything else.

I'm not sure I understand why you are saying that in this context?

Are you just saying you choose to raise pH in a different way than a high pH alk additive?

 

[DHill6]

I'm not sure I understand why you are saying that in this context?

Are you just saying you choose to raise pH in a different way than a high pH alk additive?

Yes, ph scrubber has worked so I kept it. Red Sea Alk was used to rashes Alk.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Yes, ph scrubber has worked so I kept it. Red Sea Alk was used to rashes Alk.

That's certainly a fine approach.

 

[DHill6]

That's certainly a fine approach.

I just noticed ‘rashes’ instead of raised thanks to phone phonics and no glasses.