Salifert calcium fluid in 10g tank oops!

[Jake_the_reefer]

So I accidentally dropped a drop of salifert calcium part 3 fluid into my 10g reef tank while doing tests. I was stupid and had the full syringe in my hand while collecting some water for the test.
I immediately threw in some fresh carbon and I am mixing up some fresh salt water for a 20% water change. Should everything be okay? I may be overreacting but such a small tank has me worried

 

[Jake_the_reefer]

Not sure if related but corals seem unhappy

 

[ahiggins]

Quick look at the sds, part 3 is only 0-1% sodium hydroxide (it’s going to raise your ph depending on how much went in). If a only a ml or 2, you’re probably looking at +2-3 ph right there. IMO change out as much water as possible if you have a ton of money in corals. If you’re not pressed for time/don’t have a lot of money in it, wait it out and test for ph after about 30 min post addition. Personally I’d rather have irritated corals from a big water change than lose some from a ph spike.
Sodium hydroxide is a very quick way to raise ph in a lot of applications so it will work fast. Most of part 3 is proprietary but even small amounts of hydroxide in a neutral or elevated ph will take it higher with very little added. Keep us updated.

 

[Jake_the_reefer]

Quick look at the sds, part 3 is only 0-1% sodium hydroxide (it’s going to raise your ph depending on how much went in). If a only a ml or 2, you’re probably looking at +2-3 ph right there. IMO change out as much water as possible if you have a ton of money in corals. If you’re not pressed for time/don’t have a lot of money in it, wait it out and test for ph after about 30 min post addition. Personally I’d rather have irritated corals from a big water change than lose some from a ph spike.
Sodium hydroxide is a very quick way to raise ph in a lot of applications so it will work fast. Most of part 3 is proprietary but even small amounts of hydroxide in a neutral or elevated ph will take it higher with very little added. Keep us updated.

It was about .05 ml that was added to the tank. About a drop of solution. However I notice that it has a ph of 8.1 vs 7.9 compared to my other tanks now. My tanks have always had rather low ph. I did a 50% water change due to only having 5g on hand. All corals are closed (due to it being 2 hours after lights out.) So best I can do is wait til tomorrow.

 

[Jake_the_reefer]

The whole syringe was 1ml and the plunger was barley messed with so very little actually got into the tank

 

[Jake_the_reefer]

I guess that also explains why there was a brief fogginess in the tank. How long should I expect things to sort out?

 

[ahiggins]

Ohhhh good, I’m glad it was just a drop you really don’t need to worry that much about a drop. Your water change sorted the majority of that out. Is your tank still cloudy this morning?
Something could have precipitated out...although I’m not sure what (that’s a question for the real chemists lol)

 

[Jake_the_reefer]

Ohhhh good, I’m glad it was just a drop you really don’t need to worry that much about a drop. Your water change sorted the majority of that out. Is your tank still cloudy this morning?
Something could have precipitated out...although I’m not sure what (that’s a question for the real chemists lol)

Precipitate was a concern but nothing has precipitated and there is no more cloud. Corals dont seem mad anymore so I think it's all sorted out at this point. I think ph has dropped back to it's normal level.

 

[ahiggins]

That’s good to hear

 

[Billdogg]

A quick google search tells me that there are ~75,708.2 drops in a gallon, so the dilution was ~ 1:757080. I cannot imagine any liquid, at that dilution, that would affect your tank in any way whatsoever. I wouldn't have done a thing if it were me.

 

[Jake_the_reefer]

A quick google search tells me that there are ~75,708.2 drops in a gallon, so the dilution was ~ 1:757080. I cannot imagine any liquid, at that dilution, that would affect your tank in any way whatsoever. I wouldn't have done a thing if it were me.

It could have been more because the apparently fogginess from a ph change. But everything is good this morning. I was stressed because I had no idea what was in reagent 3

 

[Billdogg]

even if it was the entire syringe full you are looking at 3785.41ml/gallon, so a dilution of 1:37,854.1 in 10 gallons. Still nothing I would worry about.

Remember - the solution to pollution is dilution.

 

[Jake_the_reefer]

even if it was the entire syringe full you are looking at 3785.41ml/gallon, so a dilution of 1:37,854.1 in 10 gallons. Still nothing I would worry about.

Remember - the solution to pollution is dilution.

Makes sense. thank you!