Very high KH & Ca 17dkh and 520-600ppm

[Marine2149]

Have no idea what's going on. Tank is super high. Starting to think those API tests just suck.

I'm using reef crystals. Only thing is I'm using tap and prime. I know people say use RO but that's just not an option right now. I live far from LFS.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[MERKEY]

api does suck

Bad batch of salt?

Have you tested the salt water before you add it to your tank to see what it is?

 

[andrewey]

Assuming you're not dosing anything, the two things I would look into are confirmation that your salinity is correct followed by buying new test kits. It's up to you whether you want to use API or not, but I suspect the problem is simply either a) user/testing error b) bad/expired reagents, c)tap water. I wouldn't be quick to blame API in this case.

Edit: I just found this article from Randy that talks about alkalinity/calcium measurements from various municipal sources and their levels:

Aquarium Chemistry: Tap Water in Reef Aquaria

As will become clear in this article, using tap water is risky business. Short of testing your own water, there is no way to be certain that your water is acceptable.

reefs.com

 

[tvan]

test your tap water.

 

[Marine2149]

Testing my tap water is a great idea. Thanks guys.

I'll keep you updated on my findings.

 

[Marine2149]

Ok just tested my regular tap water with no additives and it was at 9 dkh.

So I guess it's a bad batch of salt. Oh lawd. Guess I will never use instant ocean.

Any suggestions on brand. I wa eye balling red sea.

 

[andrewey]

Ok just tested my regular tap water with no additives and it was at 9 dkh.

So I guess it's a bad batch of salt. Oh lawd. Guess I will never use instant ocean.

Any suggestions on brand. I wa eye balling red sea.

I'm confused- why do you think it's a "bad batch of salt"?

 

[chipmunkofdoom2]

Ok just tested my regular tap water with no additives and it was at 9 dkh.

So I guess it's a bad batch of salt.

What? How on Earth did you come to that conclusion? If your tap water is 9 dKh and you put another 8 or 9 dKh in it, which is what most salt mixes are, you'd be right around 17 dKh.

Provided the measurements you have are correct, there are literally no salt mixes that you can use with your tap water that will give you normal alkalinity.

 

[Fishko]

Make sure you are shaking the salt in the box/bag before use. Red sea blue bucket is a good salt. Coral pro has a high alk

 

[Marine2149]

I did not realize that's how that worked.

So I imagine I need to get RO water then to avoid the KH of tap water.

Is there anything to do to lower my KH until I get setup for a RO system.

What do you guys suggest I do?

Thanks.

 

[Marine2149]

Also. I use a powerhead to mix up the salt.

 

[obelisk29]

I did not realize that's how that worked.

So I imagine I need to get RO water then to avoid the KH of tap water.

Is there anything to do to lower my KH until I get setup for a RO system.

What do you guys suggest I do?

Thanks.

Is there anything living in that water currently? Muriatic acid lowers dKh but I would rather fix the root of the problem, which is not using ro/di water.

 

[Marine2149]

Just hermit crabs.

Yes I rather fix it the appropriate way permetly.

 

[Gernader]

Just hermit crabs.

Yes I rather fix it the appropriate way permetly.

If you cannot get rodi water, you can get distilled water from nearby stores. It is not the best, but it’s still better than tap water.

 

[Marine2149]

I guess I'll just buy a few drums and head down to the LFS.

I'll give it a try.

Any suggestions on buying my own?

 

[vetteguy53081]

If you cannot get rodi water, you can get distilled water from nearby stores. It is not the best, but it’s still better than tap water.

Even filling jugs at walmart refill station is better.

 

[tvan]

or lower the alk in your tap water before you add salt.

 

[legrunt]

Is it at all possible that tap water can measure 9dkh right out of the tap??

 

[tvan]

yep

 

[tvan]

Mine is higher, add reef crystals it's through the roof. I now use sea salt