Salt mix problem

negative44

negative44

New Member
Hello,
I recently changed the salt I use for water changes. I used Red Sea Coral Pro for 4-5 months now. I always got a PH of about 8.1 in my water every time. I bought Coralife salt because it was on sale this past time. I now get a PH reading of 7.7 the first 2 times I have made my water. Has anyone else had this problem with Coralife? I have my own RO/DI filter and use 2 power heads to mix and airate. I don't think I am doing something wrong but ya never know. I didn't change anything but the salt mix though. I even tried to buff the water up a little and the buffer actually raised it about .1 for less then 10 minutes. I even doubled up on the buffer the next day and it did the same thing. I used the water the first time I made it for a water change and it dropped my tank PH from 8.3 to 8.1 so I am afraid to use it again. I tried to use a PH buffer in my tank and it won't move up. Kinda just like when I tried to buff the water in my bucket I had mixed. Should I stop using the Coralife mix? I am very confused about this one.....
 
dawman

dawman

Active Member
I went through the same thing . When I started using RO water I tried many salts and PH was still low . So I tried Red Sea Coral Pro and got my PH and ALK where they should be .
 
negative44

negative44

New Member
Thank you very much
. I guess I should have stuck with the Red Sea since it was working fine. I just tried to save some money.
 
N

nereef

Guest
cheaper salts usually have less Ca or Alk or both. you may be able to test and add accordingly to save money.
 
negative44

negative44

New Member
Ok, I went out and got more Red Sea salt. I figured that would solve the problem because it was working before. Well I mad up 10 gallons and it still comes up 7.6 PH. I mix the salt by hand till all of it dissolves. I then add 2 power heads and an airstone. I tried my RO/DI water and even bought some distilled water to try both. I still come up with a PH of 7.6. I even trid the Kent osmosis cond. and PH buffer and it won't budge from 7.6-7.7. I have pretty much tried everything. I can't get the PH anywhere near my tanks PH of 8.1-8.2. I have read several posts on water PH and salt mixes and have tried all there ways. I am in need of a water change but I am afraid to add the water with such a low PH. Will it be safe or is it going to drop my tank PH and

[hr]
everything up?
 
negative44

negative44

New Member
Hello,
I have a dKH of 9 (161 ppm) and Calium is at 430. I even bought new buckets to try that. Nothing seems to get the PH up.
 
mikesin

mikesin

Member
hello, I've been fighting the same issue as you - I finally gave in and buffed the new made saltwater with "seabuffer" by aquarium systems.
I add "reef builder" (very small amount) to any RO/DI make-up water.
We are VERY knew to the hobby and I understand most don't buff the saltwater they make, but its my only choice.
I should note that it took a full 24 hrs to get the full effect of seabuffer, however, I would NOT added it directly to the aquarium, only the made water change water so you have control of the pH before you added it.
Also, something to think about - our aquarium is FOWLR, no corals as of yet. It is my understanding that Calcium and Alkalinity share the same space - in other words if you raise your alkalinity you will lower your calcium and
vise versa. I noticed your calcium was @ 430. Our water's calcium is @ 340 and dKH is @ 13 drops. So I'm betting your calcium will go down - and possibly effecting corals if you have any.
test before we added "seabuffer" pH7.8 - kh 8 - s.g. 1.022 (sorry didnt test for calcium at that time)
test after adding "seabuffer" pH 8.4 - kh 13 - s.g. 1.022 - calcium 340.
Used a Hanna meter and ATI test kit for the pH readings.
I know this post is choppy - I'm really tired - hope this helps.
 
buckster71

buckster71

Member
YOu have to remember that water is PH 7 for pure water...
Now your lovely municiple governement is puting chemicals in teh water to kill those bugs taht could kill you. This will only lower the Ph fruther.
I would test the water you are using first. You may find that that is the problem.
I use instant ocean and I've never had a problem with PH or alkalinity as I check it a day after I do a water change in my tank. And my alk always stays high.
I have my own R/O system, but I have a problem with my outside conditioner and that hasn't been running since I forgot to pay the water bill and they shut me off...
I know that my city (in South Florida) has notorious Chlorine loading in the city water.
 
negative44

negative44

New Member
I am adding reef buffer 8.3 but it won't move my PH any higher then 7.7. I don't understand that either. I even double dosed it yesterday and it did nothing.

I just need to know if I can add the water at a PH of 7.7 to my main tank? Is it going to drop my PH a lot if I do a 10% water change?
Up until now I was doing a 10% a week water change without any problems for 4-5 months now. I thought I had the water thing down. Then all of the sudden this PH problem started. Now I have not done a water change in over 2 weeks. My nitrates are nearing 20ppm so I am starting to panic.
 
buckster71

buckster71

Member
Do you have covers on your tank? Is your tank exposed to the air to evac CO2?
Your tank needs to exchange as it will affect your PH if gases get trapped.
Don't worry about what Al Gore says
....evac that CO2 into the air....
 
negative44

negative44

New Member
I use a 30 gallon garbage bucket in my basement to make the water and yes I keep it covered. I usually make about 12 gallons of water a week. So there is a lot of head space in the bucket since it's about 1/3 full. I am afraid stuff may get in my water if I leave the top off but I could give it a try. Maybe just prop one side up a little. It's worth a try. Thanks.
 
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