Suspected calcium carbonate precipitation

Cory · Oct 1, 2015

So i was mixing the new ro/di water and adding salt but got side tracked by a leaking bulkhead, and the salt remained on the bottom without stirring it for a half hour or so. Now the water is cloudy, i suspect calcium carbonate precipitate.

Any concerns? What should i test for and replace?

jdl513 · Oct 1, 2015

I would check salinity first then iif correct alk and calcium. If they are testing very low may want to consider pitching and starting over.

Randy Holmes-Farley · Oct 1, 2015

Alkalinity of the settled clear salt water is the thing to test.

if it is OK, the salt water is fine.

Cory · Oct 1, 2015

Thanks guys. Ill test them. However the saltwater doesnt clear up and doesnt have any water movement either.

jdl513 · Oct 1, 2015

Lingering cloudy happens on occasion. does not necessarily mean it is bad. No harm in testing it anyway.

Randy Holmes-Farley · Oct 2, 2015

Cory said:
Thanks guys. Ill test them. However the saltwater doesnt clear up and doesnt have any water movement either.

How long did you wait? I'd wait at least 24 h to let it settle with no stirring.

Cory · Oct 2, 2015

I waited about 3 days. It might be dust that settled into the overflow lol. Im not sure though, but the tank was at a bargain price so i bought it and was dusty. Would dust not settle or something?

Randy Holmes-Farley · Oct 2, 2015

Not sure what it might be, but it could take a while for fine solids to settle. Unfortunately, you cannot get a true alk reading with fine solids in the water as they will dissolve in the test and look like alkalinity.

I'd probably use it, but be prepared to possible have to add a bit of alkalinity and some calcium down the road when it is finally clear.