What Should I Add To Tap Off Water?

[reeftankdude]

To maintain a decent PH and other essentials. My PH is currently 7 using Instant Ocean salt and RO water. Just four Scarlet Hermits in the tank. This is a video of water surface agitation. Apologize for the heavy breathing. Thanks all

 

[DedElvis]

If this is a new reef with 4 hermits just watch salinity, ammonia, and temp. I top off evap with walmart distilled water - no minerals but your salt solution should (for some part) be supplying that. Just remember for all the evaporated water you have, your salinity is increasing, minus the salt creep from drips and such. Even with a closed-lid biocube, my evaporation rate is insane. I guess due to winter and running a heater in the house.

 

[MaxTremors]

What testing method are you using to test your PH? It’s very, very unlikely your PH is 7. What is your salinity?

 

[mfinn]

Nothing needs to be added to top-off water. Just a zero TDS water.
I'd question that ph test.

 

[reeftankdude]

What testing method are you using to test your PH? It’s very, very unlikely your PH is 7. What is your salinity?

Runbo test strip

 

[Jekyl]

Runbo test strip

Need accurate tests before changing any type of parameter. Get some salifert or red sea

 

[Jekyl]

Additionally Ph can be raised by more surface agitation, a skimmer or simply opening a window in the room with the tank.

 

[MaxTremors]

Runbo test strip

That’s not reliable or accurate, I guarantee you that your PH is not 7.0. I would get either a quality PH probe or quality test kit (Salifert, Red Sea, Hanna, etc).

 

[Jekyl]

Runbo test strip

These are test strips designed for your pool. They are not usable for a saltwater tank.

 

[mfinn]

Runbo test strip

Even a cheapo API ph test kit is better.