Red Sea salinity conversion discrepancy?

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Thanks a lot!! Then maybe I’ll use ½ cup salt to 2 gallons of water in order to hold back the alkalinity level. Or will it? What do you think?

If you mean mixing to low salinity to lower the alk, that is not sensible at all.

You can lower alk with an acid, or just use it as is, but if you substantially lower the alkalinity by lowering salinity, critical things in the salt will be way too low. Potassium, for example.

 

[Raven09]

If you mean mixing to low salinity to lower the alk, that is not sensible at all.

You can lower alk with an acid, or just use it as is, but if you substantially lower the alkalinity by lowering salinity, critical things in the salt will be way too low. Potassium, for example.

Being new to mixed reef and trying to save my red and green Goniopora and Aussie Mini Scolymia by mixing my own salt. My corals have been showing signs of “not coming out all the way” until you raise my salt content. I have started with 2 gallons water and 1/2 to 3/4 cup salt. All of my DT numbers are real close to normal (if there is such a number) but my salinity level was a bit low, 1.022.
Here are my numbers:
Temp 76.8
PH 8.2
Nitrites 0
Nitrates 0
Alk 9.5
Calcium 410
Magnesium 1215
Salinity 1.022
After mixing my salt with RODI what should my numbers be. I’m trying to get close to 1.025 without affecting the other levels. Your efforts are greatly appreciated!!

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Being new to mixed reef and trying to save my red and green Goniopora and Aussie Mini Scolymia by mixing my own salt. My corals have been showing signs of “not coming out all the way” until you raise my salt content. I have started with 2 gallons water and 1/2 to 3/4 cup salt. All of my DT numbers are real close to normal (if there is such a number) but my salinity level was a bit low, 1.022.
Here are my numbers:
Temp 76.8
PH 8.2
Nitrites 0
Nitrates 0
Alk 9.5
Calcium 410
Magnesium 1215
Salinity 1.022
After mixing my salt with RODI what should my numbers be. I’m trying to get close to 1.025 without affecting the other levels. Your efforts are greatly appreciated!!

Real close to normal, perhaps but low, and could stand to be raised. I see no issue in raising salinity and you should raise the salinity if the measurement is correct.

How are you measuring salinity?

Assuming everything is measured perfectly, raising the sg from 1.022 to 1.025 will boost calcium from 410 to 466 ppm and magnesium from 1215 to 1380 ppm. Those values are better, and most importantly, things you are not measuring (such as potassium) will be better.

 

[Raven09]

Real close to normal, perhaps but low, and could stand to be raised. I see no issue in raising salinity and you should raise the salinity if the measurement is correct.

How are you measuring salinity?

Assuming everything is measured perfectly, raising the sg from 1.022 to 1.025 will boost calcium from 410 to 466 ppm and magnesium from 1215 to 1380 ppm. Those values are better, and most importantly, things you are not measuring (such as potassium) will be better.

I read somewhere that you can take your measurements after the salt has totally dissolved? I’m waiting at least 2 hours after salt has totally dissolved, just to be sure.

Measuring salinity with ATC refractometer. My test equipment is:
Hanna for Alkalinity - Phosphate - Calcium
Red Sea for Magnesium Pro
What test equipment should I use for Potassium?
Thank you for a fast reply!

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I read somewhere that you can take your measurements after the salt has totally dissolved? I’m waiting at least 2 hours after salt has totally dissolved, just to be sure.

Measuring salinity with ATC refractometer. My test equipment is:
Hanna for Alkalinity - Phosphate - Calcium
Red Sea for Magnesium Pro
What test equipment should I use for Potassium?
Thank you for a fast reply!

Yes, you can measure as soon as everything is dissolved.

I do not have a recommended potassium kit.