Saltmix Parameters bring on the test results

Aquaforest · Sep 2, 2016

Hello,
For test to make sense and to be very precise we would like to have RODI water sample as well. The accuracy of the result depends on the water which we use to dissolve the salt.If the same RO water was used in all samples (to dissolve salt) please include only 1 sample of RO water (for example: 1 sample of RO water and 10 samples of dissolved salt)
If there were different sources/types of RO water used, please include all samples of RO water. (for example: 10 samples of RO water and 10 samples of dissolved salt)

The test to be reliable, prepare a sample using about 500g-1000g of salt ( in salinity 33-35ppt)

We look forward to receive a parcel from you!

Aquaforest

jason2459 · Sep 8, 2016

Well, was going to get a sample mixed up last night but my mixing pump is no longer working right. I'll have to get another. My last little experiment in forcing a precipitation event took it's toll on it.

jason2459 · Sep 8, 2016

Thought I posted this but I can't fins it in this thread or on another site. Life's been a bit crazy lately so not surprised I thought I did something that I didn't. Good thing for notebooks.

I mixed this up shortly after the red sea coral pro.

Coralife Marine mix. What they say their mix should result in

What I got at 35ppt
Ca: 500
Alk: 8.96
Mg: 1440

jason2459 · Sep 8, 2016

What Triton shows

jason2459 · Sep 8, 2016

And that calculates out to around 34.25PSU

I'm surprised they report such low numbers on their box even if at 1.023. I like the Alk vs Ca/Mg.

So far all previous test results from 2009 are lining up with my results fairly well. This all really became a thing because someone mentioned those 2009 results are old and not relevant anymore. That and my own curiosity and new mixes that have come out since then particularly all the ad like posts for aquaforest.

Next set of tests will be sent off to Aquaforest as well so I will purposely not mention or post my results before hand.

The Rook · Sep 8, 2016

Sweet. Just switched to AF and my tank is responding very well so far. Looking forward to seeing all the numbers on their Reef salt.

Myka · Sep 25, 2016

I'm curious about the sulfate in the Aquaforest as well. The Triton results for my tank reported sulfate at 507 mg/L. I'm using the Probiotic Salt and Components 1+2+3+. I have tried asking Aquaforest where in their balling mix do they provide sulfide, but I have not receive a clear answer from them.

Triton also reported abnormally high Barium in my tank too - 267 ug/L. Maybe there is an impurity in the salt. I've also heard from a seawater testing company that it is common for ICP tests to report false high Barium levels in seawater. Why Aquaforest and not the others though? I don't know.

jason2459 · Sep 26, 2016

It's only a single sample so it's very hard to say.

Keep in mind this thread is more about getting a general idea of what to expect. Not exactly what you'll get each time for every single person. There are way way to many variables to expect that.

jason2459 · Sep 26, 2016

With that said I'm preparing a decent size batch of samples to be sent to Aquaforest as they expected to receive a batch of them at one time and not a single sample at a time. It will include their saltmixes as well. All labeled with unrelated designations.

So, through out this week I'll be mixing and testing quite a bit. I did get results in on a batch pretty quickly from them. Faster then I expected and in a easy to read format. Plus, it included what they tested my salinity at which was nice and did match up to what I tested at.

More to come on that.

glweek · Sep 26, 2016

Thanks for doing all this!

jason2459 · Sep 28, 2016

Thanks.

I got 6 samples prepared and tested last night. More to go and hope to have something shipped out Monday. That was a lot of work. lol

jason2459 · Sep 29, 2016

I contacted ENC labs yesterday to do a marine plus test and they said they are currently relocating office spaces so wouldn't be able to get tests done anytime soon.

They did say ICP-OES is tough to get accurate results of the trace elements.

"ICPOES is not the best technique for high TDS samples. ICPMS is better but now finding AA to be superior for many elements. Voltammetry is extremely sensitive for some elements but time-consuming."

jason2459 · Oct 4, 2016

I got two more saltmixes done last night. I have 3 more to go and I'm going to call it good. It's pretty time consuming which I'm short of right now.

Particularly using the protocol I've been using which I've stuck to since the beginning of this thread once I established a method I could repeat.

Then having to assure no cross contamination between making batches. The testing is the quickest part.

gettaReef · Oct 4, 2016

I'm curious, once you're done and have all the results, which salt mix will you be using (or continue to use) for your own system? And what is your reasoning for using that particular brand?

jason2459 · Oct 4, 2016

gettaReef said:
I'm curious, once you're done and have all the results, which salt mix will you be using (or continue to use) for your own system? And what is your reasoning for using that particular brand?

I still use basic IO. I do like the parameters given for Coralife. We'll see at the end of the day if my choice changes.