Sea Salt Mix and Calcium 05/02/2008
Dear Crew,
<<Hello, Andrew today>>
I recently chose to stop purchasing pre-mixed saltwater from my LFS. I bought a good RO/DI system and some Reef Crystals sea salt mix based on readings from your site. I was disappointed to find that the salt mixed to a 1.026 specific gravity only contained 300ppm calcium according to my testing kit.
<<I have to say that there have been quite a few reports recently of Reef Crystals producing lower levels of trace elements, is a concern>>
I've tested the mixed water twice now to the same effect. Do you suggest that I try a different salt mix brand next time, or do you suspect
that all brands are like this?
<<I was a personal user of RC salt and was suffering similar results, i changed over to SeaChem salt as a test, and now all my trace elements before introduction to the tank are all acceptable. So, yes, maybe switch to a different brand after the RC has been used up. Possibly buffer until you change>>
If necessary, I will begin dosing calcium to around 400ppm in my water column, but I'd prefer to stick with my 15% water change per week. Any suggestions?
<<As above, dose until RC is used up, and try another brand of salt like SeaChem for example>>
Thanks so much for the help!
<<Thanks for the questions, hope this helps. A Nixon>>

Ammonia!!!   4/11/07
Hi WWM,
I have an established 150 gallon reef tank which has been running for 6 months. I did a water change and today I noticed my fish were breathing heavily. Then I did an ammonia test and it is, 0.25-0.5 and I don't know what the cause is. I have 9 fish.
<Mmm, akin to other questions/even jokes re cause/effect... what came first... the ammonia might well have been a response to some challenging aspect of the water, change... You do pre-mix, store...?>
3 Chromis
Valentini Puffer
Mandarin Dragonet
Lawnmower Blenny
Blue Tang
Convict Tang
1 Ocellaris Clownfish
I feed 1 cube of frozen food a day and flake food in the mornings. Could a dying coral cause the ammonia?
<Any source of protein could...>
If you know what the cause is could you please reply quickly so I know what to do.
Thank you, Maison
<Please read here: http://wetwebmedia.com/nh3marfaqs.htm
and the linked files above. Bob Fenner>

Instant Ocean Reef Crystals, Snails, and a Klein's Butterfly... Mich   4/11/07
(I don't know if you received this before, sending a second time)
<Thank you for re-sending. I don't recall seeing this>
To Whom It May Concern:
<Jonathan>
First and foremost, thank you for all the vital information you provide to your readers.  I have successfully maintained a 30 gallon FOWLR saltwater aquarium for approximately fourteen months, and have utilized your site on numerous occasions.
<Glad to be of service>
Unfortunately, I feel like my questions would seem quite elementary.
<?>
Having researched your FAQ section, I have found some similar situations to that of mine.  I've been using Instant Ocean since beginning my aquarium.
<A good product... that has seemed to have suffered some inconsistency incidents in recent times>
Recently, running low on salt, I decided to try Instant Ocean's Reef Crystals. When I got home and opened the Reef Crystals I noticed a very strong smell.
<!?>
The best way to describe it is that of a freshly opened container of multi-vitamins. I have never noticed a smell with my traditional Instant Ocean salt,
<Me neither... perhaps with the exception of a sharp, salty "clean ocean" smell at times>
and wondered if this could be attributed to the added trace elements in the Reef Crystal mix?
<Mmm, shouldn't be>
Additionally, since I performed my first water change with the new salt, my Margarita snails have been acting quite sluggish and are losing their ability to adhere to live rock, glass, etc. I have had my (4) snails for over a year now with no problems. I am a bit concerned over the smell of the Reef Crystals and the possible correlation to the decline of my snails. Red Sea test readings are as follows:
Ammonia = 0.0
N02 = 0.0
NO3 = .25ppm to .50ppm (this has always floated in this range)
Copper = 0.0
PH = 8.2
Alkalinity = Normal Range (I am aware I should implement a more specific test kit)
I use RO for 10% weekly water changes and have never tested for magnesium or calcium. I am worried that the magnesium could be an issue, being several statements in the FAQ section comment on such a problem. I am also aware that my NO3 readings are quite high, yet they have been consistently floating in that range for several months. I would think my snails would have been adversely affected by these NO3 readings before now. All of my other livestock appears fine - (6) hermit crabs, a Bi-color Blenny, and a Klein's Butterfly.  Please provide additional information you may have acquired since those previous submissions. Also, is this potent smell typical of Instant Ocean's Reef Crystals, and if not, could it be the cause for the decline in my precious Margarita snails?
<Don't know... but this is possible>
Finally, I am aware that a Klein's Butterfly fish is not well suited for a 30 gallon set-up. I am getting married later this year and cannot upgrade to a larger aquarium until late 2008. In my research, I have found the Klein's Butterfly will grow to approximately 5 inches. He is an adult that is currently 2“ 2½ inches.  Is there any information as to the growth rate of this fish?
<Does generally grow slowly... am out in part of its range currently visiting... You can see a graphic representation of a "growth curve" for this on fishbase.org: Well, actually you can't... they don't show a Growth curve for this species: http://fishbase.org/Summary/speciesSummary.php?ID=5446&genusname=Chaetodon&speciesname=kleinii
But IME it is a slow grower...>
Will I be able to maintain him in a 30 gallon aquarium for another year and a half? I love my fish a great deal, and some would say, treat him as if he was a cat.
<Perhaps>
Thank you for your time and effort in these matters.
Sincerely,
John.
Bristol, Pa
<Mmm, am hoping MichL, will see your physical address, direct you to fellow marine keepers, associations in your State. Bob Fenner>
<I would contact the company that makes Instant Ocean, Aquarium Systems... re your concerns here... Send them back a sample for testing. BobF>

High Calcium and Suspect Salt Mix – 03/15/07
I have been battling high calcium 550 to 650 for the past month doing constant water changes but seeing no drop.
<<Mmm, have you validated the accuracy of the test kit?  Perhaps trying a fresh kit and/or different brand (Salifert, Seachem, Hach)>>
Noticed my toadstool, zoanthids, and 4 week old xenia slowly shrivel up over last week.  I couldn't understand with a ph of 8.4, dKH 10, nitrates .10, alk (now I can't remember, but I do remember it was a good range),
<<dKH is your alkalinity reading.  The acceptable range is generally 8 – 10 dKH, though with your calcium level you are better of letting this drop to 7- 8 until you can identify the problem and make corrections>>
phos. 1,
<<Pretty high phosphate level, I would strive to get this reading down to .02 or less>>
why, with so many water changes, the calcium was sky high?
<<Likely the source water or salt mix>>
Decided to test my R/O water with Instant Ocean salt mix (kept in a 50 gal. Rubbermaid container) and it, too, reads 550-600.
<<I’m hearing more and more of concerns/problems re this brand of salt mix...very disconcerting considering this has been my absolute favorite and most recommended brand for three decades...>>
The only thing I add to my R/O water (that I buy from Wal-Mart Culligan machine) is Seachem buffer 8.3, (I just started that) before I add the Instant ocean mix.
<<Hmm...I wouldn’t think it would matter, but try omitting the buffer and see what your test reads.  Also, test the water from your R/O unit “before” adding the salt mix to rule out a bad membrane/high calcium levels from the source water>>
This is the first time I've ever had a problem with high calcium.  Snowstorm galore!
<<Indeed, yikes!>>
However, I had added some calcium to my tank a few weeks ago, but since then have done water changes that should have brought it down.
<<Not with a calcium reading of 600 mg in your change water>>
Could I have gotten a bad batch of Instant Ocean?  (I order from Drs. Foster & Smith the 160 gal. bucket.)    
<<Maybe so...I’ve had some questionable samples myself lately...and makes me suspicious re the ever-dropping “sale-price” of this product lately>>
I have also been battling green algae and red hair algae.
<<Your high phosphate reading isn’t helping here>>
I bought two more powerheads to help with the algae.  Blew off some of the live rock with turkey baster, and made a storm out of that.  (geez)  Seems like after I did that, the algae blooms were worse and the corals started looking bad.
<<Hmm...do you have any purposeful chemical filtration?  Adding a small canister filter with carbon and Poly-Filter will help...you should probably also consider utilizing an iron-based phosphate remover to get your phosphate level down (the Poly-Filter will help with this too)>>
The live rock looks like it has sand lightly sprinkled on it and my snails and one cleaner shrimp has died and as I said before, the few soft corals I have do not look well at all.
<<All a result of the chemical imbalances your tank is experiencing>>
Fish are doing fine.  I feed them twice a day, but only enough for them to be able to eat within 1 min.  My tank is a 100 gal., 6 mos. old, with wet/dry trickle system - bio balls having been replaced with live rock, Super Skimmer by Coralife,
<<Do make sure this skimmer is working well>>
5 powerheads, 1" of live sand, although, with all the vacuuming off the top of the sand due to all the algae, I doubt there is even an inch left!   1 Blue Hippo, 1 yellow tang, 1 Midas Blenny, 2 clowns, 1 PJ cardinal, some snails, 1 turbo snail.  Things just seem to be out of control.  Almost out of salt, so just ordered another bucket.  I hope that will test out better than the one I just finished with the high calcium.
<<Do let me know>>
I have no idea how to lower my calcium other than water changes and not adding anymore calcium or iodine, and just stick to straight out water changes, although, when my replacement water tests out of the calcium level of 550 +, I can't even do that.
<<Agreed...>>
Any help would be greatly appreciated...I have read so much on your website, that I am dizzy.  I've read everything on calcium, alk, phosphate, and different salts to use, all the algae sites.  I need some personal help.  Thank you ever so much...what we any of us do without this site?  I've tried the chat site, but seems like too much guess work going on there... a lot of people like me trying to help people like me!  (Oh Geez!)  ha-ha  Sometimes I've been lucky to get a pro, but not of late.  Thanks for your help...  Linda in GA       
<<Well Linda, at this point I would try a different salt mix (Seachem, Tropic-Marin) to get things back in balance...and quickly!  And do also employ the chemical filtration I have suggested.  Make these changes and then give me a shout back if need be.  EricR in SC>>

High Calcium and Suspect Salt Mix -Re: Instant Ocean/High Calcium  03/15/07
Hey Eric
<<Linda>>
- thanks for the quick response
<<Quite welcome>>
...guess what?  It was the test kit I had...decided last night to buy a new one...now my calcium readings are 355,  phos. .05, alk 9, nitrates .05, PH 8.4...things are testing better than I thought!!!
<<Excellent news!  Always best to "test the testers" before effecting changes>>
However, NOW I am really stumped as to why my softies are shrinking up?
<<Indeed>>
Could it be low calcium levels?
<<No...355 is quite acceptable>>
I do have PhosGuard in the sump, along with Reef Carbon.
<<Ahh...the PhosGuard may be the culprit.  As much as I like the Seachem product line, their aluminum based phosphate remover is not to my liking.  The aluminum will leach in to the water and can mal-affect some corals.  I recommend you replace this aluminum-based phosphate remover with one of the available iron-based products>>
My skimmer produces approx. 1/4-1/3 cup each day.
<<You might try letting the skimmer run a bit more "wet" (double the skimmate output) for a few weeks.  This, and boosting/maintaining pH at 8.4 - 8.6 for 3-4 weeks can help with your alga issues>>
I have to clean the pump once a month in vinegar & baking soda solution.
<<Have to?  Seems a bit excessive>>
I called my fave fish store (not Local...my fave is in Atlanta) - they use Instant Ocean salt and they test theirs out and have had no problems with it...their tests were calc. 360.  So, it isn't the Instant Ocean after all, thank goodness.
<<Good to know...though I'm still suspicious for other reasons>>
I have 4x96 PC with 125lbs live rock.  The PC's are left on 8 hrs a day.
<<I would increase the photo-period to at least 10-hours per day, and 12 would be better...much closer to natural periods in the tropics...from where your corals originated>>
Temp is around 80.  I keep vacuuming the top of my sand bed (1" thick and getting thinner due to vacuuming) due to the red algae build-up and green algae seems to be mostly on the right side of the tank?  Which is the side facing the wall.  The water I use is from Culligan (Wal-Mart) out of the machine, .33-cents a gallon, I tested the phosphate it read 0.  I find it funny that I use the same salt, water, live sand, live rock for my 29 gal. seahorse tank that sits in the same room this tank does, but the seahorse tank has no lighting...there is never any problem with algae.  The room these two tanks are in is bright.
<<Yes...the artificial lighting on the reef tank is the "catalyst" for the algae growth...but not the cause.  Your nitrate level doesn't appear to be out of bounds, though your phosphate is still a bit high.  Remove/replace the aluminum material and see if your corals respond...they may be able to utilize/out compete for whatever is feeding the alga once they are healthy again.  Bump up your pH and increase/keep good water flow throughout the tank.  If things don't start to improve give me another shout and we'll see what we can figure out>>
Thanks so much for your help.
Linda in GA
<<A pleasure to share.  Eric Russell>>

Ca Salt Mix Help   2/24/07
I noticed about two months ago that the calcium levels in my tank started to drop (from 380s to 310s). I do weekly 20% water changes, and I've had trouble keeping alk above 8 as well.
<Mmm... this sounds very familiar some how...>
Both alk and calcium are low. I assumed that I had an increased demand for bio minerals in the tank.. just a couple of softies and coralline. As such, I just purchased Aquarium Systems Reef Crystals - attempting to switch from Tropic Marin - and made up a batch of Reef Crystal. I aerated the RO/DI water for a day. Buffered with Reef Builder, and let it aerate another 12 hours.
<Good>
Mix in the salt and let that sit another day. The first batch of Reef Crystals measured up:
SG: 1.023
PH: 8.43
dKH: 11.2
Cal: 320
<... weird... low Calcium. Wait... how much ReefBuilder did you add? This is the most likely cause of Calcium loss here... read the label... a level teaspoon per ten gallons of water is about all I'd use... never more than twice this>
I was concerned that the calcium was so low with a product I thought would be closer to the 400 range. I used a Salifert and Aquarium Systems calcium test and confirmed the calcium number three times. I concluded that maybe the buffer I used might have driven down the calcium
<Yes... my guess as well>
so I made another batch of Reef Crystals in a different bucket without any buffer and got a calcium reading of 325. I am very confused.
<Mmmm... this is about the sixth report this month of troubles with the formerly tried and true, steady formulations of Aquarium Systems salts... I would write the company directly re this... Perhaps have your LFS test this bag...>
Both calcium tests are about 1 year old. I suspect the Tropic Marin was having low calcium readings before ever going in the tank as well.
<Really? Now... I would definitely test this as well... if you have any left. Perhaps "it" is your test kits>
I know these are both fine salt mixes so I must be having some issue in the mix process???
<Not from what you relate>
I add the salt to the water not the other way around. I've done the same process for a year without low calcium readings. One of the mix buckets is spotless and the other has a few white crystallization patches on the inside. The only commonality is the power head, pump, and air stone which have some crystallization on them from adding too much buffer several months ago. Any thoughts?
<Yes... either the mix/es (not the TM though...) or your test gear>
I am completely puzzled. Do the calcium test go bad in only a year?
<No>
Any guidance would be greatly appreciated.
<Test the testers... have your best store make up a small batch... Write AS if inherent trouble, please report your findings back to me/us. Bob Fenner>

Salt Mixes... trouble... new big owners... changing names, formulations...   2/19/07
Hi folks -
<Darrel>
I have a rather peculiar problem -- Short version question first -- long version follows, if needed:
<Okay!>
Q: If a name brand salt mix container is left opened and it absorbs ambient humidity, can that make the salt mix go bad (unable to stabilize PH)?
<Will not... just makes it a bit harder to dissolve>
Regards,
Darrel
Long Version format:
1) 55 Gal main marine tank  fish, live sand & live rock -- doing fine.
2) Doing 5 gallon water changes every week -- alternating between salt mix (Marineland Ocean Crystals) and store bought RO salt mix (they use Instant Ocean)
3) Again ... main tank doing FINE
--salt mix -- we mix into 15 gallon storage container, age & aerate for 48 hours before use.
4) Decided to add a new tang, bought a 10 gallon tank setup @ Wal-Mart for quarantine
5) Sterile tank, just whisper filter, bare bottom, PVC pipe for tang to hide in
6) Added 10 gal salt mix, ph fine, salinity fine, temp fine
<Mmm... a very good idea (see WWM...) to pre-mix, store all new water... for days, a week... even more... ahead of use>
7) Add tang -- fish fine
8) Two days later, Tang in trouble, rapid breathing -- PH = 7.2 !!!!!!
9) Used SeaChem Marine Buffer to bring ph to 8.3  -- tang recovered
10) 6 hours later (overnight), PH 7.0 Tang expired.
<...?>
A) ALL usual questions asked and answered -- no contamination, nothing added to tank, cleaners, solvents, etc.  NOTHING.
B) Washed tank, refilled with salt mix (no fish this time) -- same results
C) Washed tank, refilled with store RO-salt mix ... so far .. 72 hours ...
PH stable.
Naturally, we suspect Salt Mix now -- although we started our whole 55 gallon tank on the same container of mix and did several water changes with it and it was fine -- so here's what I think happened:
After one mix set, my son left the top of the salt mix container slightly ajar and three days later when I noticed, the mix had absorbed humidity and caked -  I hacked at it with a wooden spoon until it was loose again and naturally paid extra close attention to salinity during subsequent mixes since the salt was bringing some of it's own moisture to the mix (pun intended).
Are there any physics known about salt mixes that would support this conclusion?
<Am beginning to become more than a little concerned re this (former Aquarium Systems... Instant Ocean)... product... Do you have any left to do a small experiment? That is, to mix up some, set it up in an open container... aerated or not... and monitor the pH over a few days time... I suspect that this formerly fine, consistent product is now bunk! Bob Fenner>

Ammonia in water change containers?  2/18/07
Hi, I mixed up a new batch of salt water in two separate 5 gallon containers that formerly held spring water.  I wanted to do a test of the color reading for the ammonia in the new water which should have read 0 versus the water in my tank which reads near 0 (or near yellow on the testing color scale).  Both 5 gallon buckets came back with very high readings for ammonia (dark green or over 1).  I don't want to wait for these containers to cycle, and I have not ideas on what caused this?  I just have an airstone running inside and they were never used for anything besides drinking water.  I am going to search my house for more buckets! P.S.  Your book, Reef Invertebrates was great, just finished reading it.
Very truly yours,
Ari
<<Ari: What sort of water did you use to make up the salt water?  Normally, containers of spring water shouldn't have high ammonia levels.  Depending on what sort of test kit you are using, you could have a faulty reading.  For example, some test strips are unreliable. I don't think it is worth it to wait for your containers to cycle.  However, before you throw out the salt water, I would try to verify that the problem is not with your test kits.  The purest water to use is filtered through a RO/DI system.  Even if you don't use that water, I would not expect your ammonia levels to be high.  Best of luck, Roy>>

Maintenance/Water Changes/Snowstorms    4/16/06
Hello crew
<Hello Wayne>
I have a specific question relating to "snowstorms" that I couldn't find on the sight.  Hope you can help.
I just started using an RODI system about 3 weeks ago, on top of that I just started aerating my weekly "water change" (10gal) water for 24 hrs, then
adding baking soda (4 teaspoons), aerating for another 24 hrs, then adding my salt mix (Instant Ocean) for another 24 hrs, only to add it into my tank every Sunday.
Well, the past 2 times I've done this, the saltwater mix is extremely cloudy.  Even after 24 hrs of mixing.  Could this be the "Snowstorm" that
I've read about?  I've never had this problem before, until I started buffering with baking soda.  If not, than what could this be?  Just a bad batch of salt?
<I'd mix the salt first, then add the buffer, see if that doesn't help any.
If not, try a product such as Reef Builder (Sea Chem) and see if the results are the same.  James (Salty Dog)>
Please help.
Thanks
<You're welcome>
- Wayne

Water woes ... mysterious goings on with synthetic salt mix, mixing   5/17/06
Greetings oh Wet Ones!
<Andrea>
I recently started a 75 gallon tank and decided to up my saltwater production (a 5 gallon bucket isn't gonna cut it anymore).  However, I am having a great deal of difficulty getting the "new" water to the correct parameters.
<Mmmm>
I filled a 30 gallon plastic garbage can with RODI water and added baking soda to buffer (2 teaspoons per 5 gallons).  I then used a Maxijet 900 PH with venturi attachment for aeration and circulation.  After 24 hours the salinity was a bit off so I added more salt (I use Tropic Marin) and waited another 24 hours.  When checked again the salinity was perfect for my tank (SG 1.025), but the water had become cloudy, the pH was low (around 7) and there was a white residue on the sides of the container.
<Mmm... may be the container itself is/was unsuitable...>
I turned off the venturi on the PH, added some more baking soda (not sure of measure, just dumped some in) and waited another 24 hours.  The water cleared, the SG was 1.025, but the pH is still about 7.  I tested the dKH and it was approximately (had to extrapolate) 21!   I'm at a loss.  Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you for your help,
Eric
<Or the salt mix... I would try mixing up a small batch in a glass jar/container... Bob Fenner>

Fish deaths and water preparation 6/26/06
I've had my 25 gallon saltwater with 30 pounds of live rock for three months now. After cycling, I added a black and gold damsel, two blue-green Chromis fish, and a scarlet cleaner shrimp. After seeming healthy for about a month, one blue-green Chromis had a cut on it from the other Chromis attacking him, so I put him in a plastic quarantine within the tank, so that the other fish would leave him alone while he healed. After two or three days he died.
<Was this a solid container?  Was there any circulation within the container?  I don't really like these, prefer a proper QT/hospital tank.>
About two weeks later, the other blue-green Chromis started not eating as much as usual, but had no visual signs of illness other than that. A few weeks after that he began looking a bit thin, and then was unable to swim and started sinking to the bottom. He died a few hours later. <Many possible reasons, intestinal parasite, cyanide poisoning, harassment, water quality.> The black and gold damsel and shrimp are both healthy and seem to be doing fine. I've taken my water to my fish store and they tested my levels and said everything was normal. <Normal is relative, get hard numbers next time.>  I change about 10% of my water every week. But, when I do water changes, I add my salt mix into a bucket with water treated with reverse-osmosis (the kind you get from the machines at the grocery store), mix for a few minutes, check the salinity, add a little buffer and then add to the tank. <Not good> Am I supposed to be letting the water sit for 24 hours? <Yes> Could this be killing my fish? <Would be a quick death if that is the problem.>  What’s the benefit of mixing the water 24 hours in advance? <Gives time for the Ph to stabilize, salt to really dissolve, plus fresh mixed water is quite corrosive.>
Thank you!
<Anytime>
<Chris>

Help! pH non-anomaly with new water   6/8/06
Hi there.  It's Chris again with yet another ph issue.  My tank has consistently been at 8.5 to 8.6 for the last 10 days.  I've also had 5
gallons of replacement synthetic seawater "brewing" in a large plastic container for a week.  This water was made with RO water, instant
ocean salt mix (salinity at .025), and Seachem Marine Buffer. After one full week brewing in  this covered plastic container, with a
powerhead, the ph is a consistent 8.5 to 8.6.  What am I doing wrong in that I simply cannot get my ph in the 8.1 to 8.3 range?  
Thanks, as always.
<Mmm, nada... this is "about right" considering the salt mix brand, the buffer product added... and not a worry... will drift down over time/use. I would not be concerned here. Bob Fenner>

Re: Help! pH non-anomaly with new water and Zoanthids   6/8/06
Thanks, Bob.
<Welcome Chris>
Should I consider a premium-brand salt mix?
<Mmm, no... or I wouldn't... Instant Ocean is a mighty fine product... consistent, well-formulated...>
On another note, I have recently purchased a Zoanthus colony, which looked great at my fish store, however, since adding it to my tank on Saturday (today is Thursday) it has yet to fully bloom.
<This/these can take a while to adjust...>
In fact, I would say that it's blooming at about 15% of capacity.  Is this a ph issue?
<Doubtful>
  I'm adding Reef Solution daily (1/2 capful),
<I'd hold off on this...>
have it placed very high in my aquarium.
<I'd start new cnidarians lower, lowest...>
The colony had been placed near the middle so I moved it hoping for better bloom.
<And not move them around much at first...>
  I also just recently started adding phytoplankton.
<Most cnidarians don't eat much of this...>
By the way, the tank is a 37G "high" tank with 130W of compact fluorescent lighting.
Thanks again, your expertise is invaluable.
Chris
<Do please read here: http://wetwebmedia.com/zoanthid.htm
and the linked files above. Cheers, Bob Fenner>

Salt Mix Precipitate - 08/22/06
Greetings once again from Nebraska!
<<Hello from South Carolina!...though I just returned from five "really long" days in Alliance, NE <grin> >>
Thanks again for the superb service that you provide.  Your information has been a great help.
<<Is a collective effort, we're happy you find it of service>>
I have a quick question regarding an unusual occurrence I noticed the last time I mixed up replacement water for a water change.  I have a 75g, lightly inhabited tank with a fair amount of live rock.  Mostly fish, but I also have a huge Sebae anemone.  The system has been set up for nearly 4 years.
<<Okay>>
I've used the same procedure for mixing replacement water from the beginning.  I have three square food grade buckets that I fill with RO.  I place the buckets in our attached garage and aerate for anywhere from 2 days to a week.
<<Excellent>>
I then slowly add and stir the Instant Ocean until I get the salinity desired (as measured by a refractometer at 35 ppt).
<<All good>>
I keep the aeration going until I'm ready to use the water, which can be anywhere from a day to 2 weeks.
<<The longer the better in my opinion...just because the salt "dissolves", it doesn't mean it is "mixed"/that chemical processes aren't still taking place>>
(I try to change 12 gallons every 2 to 3 weeks).  Usually, right after mixing, I notice whitish debris at the bottom of the bucket.  It isn't adhered, but moves around if I stir the bucket.  It goes into solution within a day.  The last time I did a water change, everything appeared normal after mixing.  A couple of days later, I peeked into the aerated buckets, and didn't notice any debris at the bottom of the bucket.  When I was ready to do the water change, about 4 or 5 days later, I noticed a heavy white deposit at the bottom of each bucket.  This deposit was firmly adhered, and I later removed it with a vinegar soak and scraping.  I'm just wondering what happened this time to cause the precipitate.  It was fairly hot in the garage (lower 90s), but this isn't uncommon during the summertime.  I've used this method since I set up the aquarium several years ago and this is the first time I've had this problem.
Thanks in advance for your help!
Ed
<<Well Ed, what you describe sounds like some of the calcium/alkaline earth elements precipitated out of the mix and deposited on the bucket (the precipitate won't go back in to solution).  This may have been caused by adding the salt mix too fast allowing it to accumulate on the bottom of the bucket where localized concentrations could exceed solubility levels...or possibly the salt mix was "contaminated" by moisture intrusion "in the bucket" before you mixed it (you don't say which portion of Nebraska you are from...is high humidity a factor?).  I've used Instant Ocean myself for three decades and I see this from time to time and I've never considered it a real "problem".  But, I will also say that it seems the buckets/batches obtained during the occasional "super salt sale" seem to be the most affected/likely to have heavy precipitate...possibly from sitting around for very long periods in hot and humid warehouses?...or maybe even sitting exposed and unprotected from the weather?  Admittedly, just speculation on my part.  I'm surprised this is the first time in four years you have experienced this.  Obviously your mixing "technique" works very well...I wouldn't change a thing.  Regards, Eric Russell>>

Sediment in synthetic salt mix   9/2/06
Hello,
I wasn't able to find any information on this topic at all so I decided to send you guys a mail - thank you very much in advance for taking the time to answer this.
I have been using Instant Ocean salt mix for about 1 year now. I have a RO filter set up on my municipal water supply faucet and mix my saltwater in a plastic bucket before adding in to my tanks. I have found that there is a large amount of sediment that does not dissolve when I mix my salt  in my mixing bucket, I have a large power head in the bucket and after waiting 24 - 48 hrs there is always a large amount of white sediment that has settled at the bottom of the bucket. I maintain temperature of the mix at 80 - 82 C and this seems to be happening every time - does anyone else get the same problem or could there be something wrong with the water supply itself?
Should I try and change the brand of salt mix I am using (I have heard good things about Instant Ocean)
Although the sediment does not seem to be causing any problems I am a little perplexed as to why there would be this amount of sediment still remaining in the plastic bucket.
As always your teams help and input would be greatly appreciated.
Best regards,
Aehsun
<<Aehsun:  When I mix up a 30 gallon batch of IO, I usually have about one or two spoonfuls of sediment left.  It may not be the thing to do; but, I usually dump the excess into the sump.  Best of luck, Roy>>

Dissolved solids OK?  9/23/06
Crew,
<Rob>
I have read all the FAQ's on salt mix, and understand that the undissolved solids I see when I mix up a batch of salt water are normal. I mix up 4 gallons of salt water in  5 gallon bucket with a lid, along with 2 tbs of baking soda, and aerate it for a week with a maxi-jet 1200 submersible pump before I do my weekly water changes.
<The solids you are seeing are more than likely from the baking soda.  Not a good idea to mix this in with the salt.
Wait till the salt mix is completely dissolved before adding, and then, mix the baking soda with fresh water before
adding to the tank.>
I use Oceanic salt mix, but from my reading will probably switch to Instant Ocean when I need to buy mix again.
My question.
is it better to stir the sediment up in the bucket, and add the cloudy water to the tank for the water changes, or should I try to avoid getting the sediment in the tank? I have been doing the stir-up beforehand method thus far, and while it clouds up the tank pretty badly, it clears up in a few hours. My thoughts are since nothing but tap water, baking soda, and salt mix goes in the bucket, the my tank probably needs whatever doesn't dissolve anyway. Is that wrong?
<Yes, you should not have any sediment in the fresh mix.  Try my method and I believe this problem will disappear.  Instant Ocean is my choice, been using it
30+ years.  I know, but I started very young:)
Thanks for the help.
<You're welcome.  James (Salty Dog)>
  Rob

Salt Water for water change 10/17/2006
Hi
Yesterday morning I mixed up about 40 gallons of salt water for a water change.  I use a submersible pump that I got from Home Depot. The hose is long and it got a slight kink in it so over time the pump ran hot. Last night I checked the salt water mix and it was very hot to the touch... I guessed about 100 degrees and when I dropped in my thermometer, I found that temp to be accurate.
<<Wow that’s hot.>>
So I unplugged the pump to let the water cool down.  I'm now using an aerator to keep the surface agitated and oxygen levels up. The water has cooled down to about 77 degrees. My question is - is it okay to use this water for my water change given the fact that it got so hot? Did the 100 degree temperature change the chemistry of the water?
<<Not likely.  So long as the pump doesn’t have anything on it that is harmful, it should be fine (I am unfamiliar with said pump).  Do aerate for some time. Lisa>>
Sally S.

Greenish Yellow Saltwater Mix (2/10/05)
Hi guys and gals!!!! 
<Howdy. Steve Allen with you tonight.> 
I sure am glad you are here for all of us novice fish people. 
<We're all novices at something.> 
Ok my question may be really simple or really hard I do not think there is a middle of the road here. I have just changed synthetic salts for my salt tank. I went from Coralife to Instant Ocean. My problem is when I added the Instant Ocean to my saltwater holding tank for water changes. It immediately turned an amber green color. 
<Weird!> 
It has not reverted back. I did not mix the two different salts together the holding tank was rinsed out before I changed salts. I ran a check of pH, nitrates, nitrites, calcium, chlorine and chloramines. pH is normal, nitrates, nitrites 0, and chlorine chloramines did not register, calcium was low about 370 ppm. I am at a loss here and do not want to use this in my tank, unless the color change will go away and will not harm my tank. 
<Smart man. Remembering High School chemistry, such a sudden color change must be from some sort of chemical reaction. I would not risk using it if I were you. It's too risky just for a few bucks' worth of salt. I suggest you contact the maker to see if they can explain this. In your shoes, I'd throw that water out, thoroughly clean the vessel with clean water, and try again.> 
I looked in the FAQ's section and found nothing to help me there. Thanks Craig 
<You're welcome. Hope this helps. Let us know if the manufacturer has any answers.>

Preventing Salt from Caking
Hi Team, 
<Hello Lyndon>
I usually buy the 8KG bag of IO salt, and I use it and then store it away in an airtight container and store it away in a cool dark place...however when its time for the next water change its always lumpy.  Is there any way to keep the moisture out to ensure it stays free flowing like when we open the pack ?  Alternatively does this caking cause any loss to the salts effectiveness ?
<Sounds to me like you live in a humid zone. I've always put my salty in zip lock bags and never had any caking problems. Maybe your air tight container isn't so air tight. Shouldn't cause any loss of it's effectiveness though, unless it is going to be kept for long periods of time. James (Salty Dog)> 
<<Editor's note: Lyndon and others may want to try the old "grandmother's/retauranteur's trick" of putting some uncooked rice into a piece of hosiery or netting and dropping it into the bag of salt mix.  The rice is both non-toxic and will help absorb some of that excess humidity.>>

My pH is Low
Hello Crew,
<Shaun>
I have a question for you that none of my LFS seem to have an answer. My Ph and Alk. always seem to run low. Ph runs 7.8 to 8.1 (night to day) and my Alk. seems to always fall to 5 or 6 dKH. I bought Seachem Marine buffer 8.3 and added it to my water change bucket 1/4 teaspoon to 5 gallons and use Reef Crystals. I aerate the water for 2 days prior to adding the buffer and salt with a power head and keep aerating for about 5 days after. Also I use distilled water.
<Mmm, why? Is your tap/source water "that bad?"... You are likely missing a good deal of needed mineral by going this expensive water route>
The problem is that when I just mix the salt everything is fine but if I add the Marine buffer I end up with a brown film on the surface of the water and coating the bucket and powerhead. I tested this water and found elevated ammonia and nitrite levels. The bucket is an old Reef Crystals bucket so I wouldn't think this is the cause. Any ideas?
<Strange... SeaChem and Aquarium Systems products should produce no such result...>
Thanks, Shaun.
<Don't know the root cause here, but I would try finding a source of reverse osmosis treated water (check with your fish stores... or buy, install, use your own... especially if there is real trouble with your tap)... and see if your water quality improves, you lose the mysterious brown scum. Bob Fenner>

Brown slime in make-up water 5/16/05
Dear Crew: I use a 20 gallon Rubbermaid covered pail for my make-up water. It's heated, circulated, and aerated. I'm getting brown slime in the pail. What to do? Thanks. Mitch
<I have the same problem. Occasional bleaching and drying of the container seems to help, as does using all of the water within a couple of days. Also, although it is kind of gross, I have never had any problems because of it. Best Regards. AdamC.>

High Alkalinity in Newly Mixed Water
Dear crew,
<Christopher>
Thanks for the great site. I have been reading on WWM along with other resources for several months, and have recently started my first saltwater tank, which I intend to be a FOWLR tank initially. I'll probably bore you with all of the details of my set-up someday, but for now I have specific issue that's really bugging me.
My question involves calcium/alkalinity. After preparing my first batch of water starting with an RO/DI unit, then aerating/heating x 24 hours, and then adding Instant Ocean, the readings were as follows: alkalinity dKH 16 (Salifert), calcium 520 (also Salifert) with pH 8.3, SG 1.023 and temp 80. Is this even possible?
<Mmm, yes>
I tested the RO/DI water prior to adding salt just to check, which had very low calcium and Alk (as expected I guess).
<Yes, should be>
This evening I prepared another garbage can full (clean Rubbermaid used just for this purpose), using the same protocol and same Instant Ocean batch, and ended up with these numbers: Alk 15, similar pH and salinity at same temp. Now I can't even get a calcium reading. The Salifert kit requires adding "Reagent #3" until the initial pink color turns blue. The problem is it turns blue prior to adding any "Reagent #3", making me think the calcium is very low (?). 
<Shouldn't be>
My 'pre-cured', but overnight-mailed live rock has been in the tank for 5 days and the tank is in need of a water change. For this reason I used 6 gallons (conservative) of this second batch to do so (matched salinity and temperature, but ? calcium concentration). The calcium in the tank (65 gallon with 10 gallons in sump) dropped from around 450 to about 250, checked 1 hour after this water change. 
<Not surprising... this happens... part of my years back pitch to Walt Smith to make "Fiji Gold" products...>
I observed no obvious precipitation. The alkalinity in the tank at this time was 14.7, with pH 8.3. I fear this was a bad move.
<No... no problem>
Do the kits sound obviously messed-up, or is it the owner of the kits?
<Neither>
My plan for tomorrow (Oh, look at the time, I mean later today), is to buy new synthetic seawater mix, take a sample of my tank's water and new mixed water to my LFS for analysis, and consider new test kits if there are discrepancies. I understand Salifert is a good brand, but I can't find an expiration date on the kits. Sorry for the circuitous explanation, but any thoughts or advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Chris
<Instant Ocean of late has become something of an anomalous inconsistency... your readings for new water, use with/for live rock curing are fine. Bob Fenner> 

Goodness Gracious Great Blobs of Brown Stuff! Pre-mixed Water Getting Gunky 10/17/05
I have been in awe at the priceless information nestled into your website.
<<Us, too.>>
I have been implementing for a couple of weeks the pre-mix water that sits in a Rubbermaid tub with a Rio 400 and heater. While I thought it would be more trouble than good, I am quickly praising it to all of my cohorts! It makes weekly (or even biweekly!) water changes a snap!
<<That's what I've been tryin' to tell ya!>>
So I was doing my weekly water change and noticed in the tub little rolling blobs of brown "stuff". (Herein, shall we call it gravy?) 
<<Wavy gravy, baby.>>
I ruled out foul play. 
<<And fowl play.>>
The water gets mixed a week in advance and I add a little salt every few days to keep my measurements more accurate. 
<<This doesn't make sense - the only way the salinity will shift is via evaporation, and that will move the salinity up - not desirable. Only water evaporates, none of the salts in the mix will do this. You are likely creating a super-satured pre-mix. If this is your intent, fine (though DO adjust, of course), but it's far better to simply mix it at the proper salinity, and cover, heat, and aerate until ready to use. Covering is important.>>
I added the needed amount of Seachem buffer. 
<<In order to...? The salt mix isn't buffering this water sufficiently? Or are you using RO/similar?>>
I will admit to using a crappy brand of salt before (SeaLife), but not sure if that was the cause. Now using Instant Ocean. 
<<It seems that the Instant Ocean brand has fallen off in quality from when I first got into marine fishes. Even then, I was mixing it with very hard, alkaline water and it would develop a good deal of precipitate. I would go with something like Tropic Marin (look on WWM for others' recommendations, too).>>
So my question is, what is causing the brown blobs? (They feel 'fatty' when touched with finger but they go back to the blob shape.)
<<I'm suspecting a sort of precipitate (do you test your water before mixing in the salt?), and if you're leaving the container open then I would also suspect watery dust-bunnies of sorts. You should siphon this stuff out before using. Remember also that there are indeed places where a "greasy" sort of dust accumulates (my folks' garage is one), that could explain the "fatty" feeling.>>
Next question is how do you store your opened bags of salt? I understand keeping moisture out is critical, but do you just squeeze the air out of the bag or have some kind of container?
<<I personally never even went to that much trouble. I would just tie the bags shut, rubber band or the like. Keeping the moisture out prevents certain chemical reactions. Take some salt mix and sprinkle a bit of water onto it - it will become *very* hot - this is one of the reasons for keeping it as dry as possible. If you live in a very humid climate, try our grandmothers' trick of putting some rice in some netting (a nylon stocking/knee-high) and put it in the bag of salt. Then tie it well with a rubber band or the like and it should keep nicely. Some folks like to dump the salt into tubs for ease of use, and they're easier to keep tightly shut - again, Rubbermaid bins would work very well for this.>>
Finally, the AquaC Remora I ordered finally came. I also got the prefilter box but that part I am not impressed with. 2 plastic screws that snug up against the powerhead? Surely someone has a modification to improve the stability.
<<Don't know about that - plastic is inert, won't corrode (as long as it's not exposed to sunlight/intense lighting) for the most part. I suggest searching WWM, or maybe posting this question on one of the reefing boards. Don't forget the beauty inherent in a zip-tie, either.>>
Again, thank you in advance for the great resource!
<<Welcome in advance, Bob's done a pretty neat thing here, hasn't he?>>
Dana
<<Hope this has helped answer your questions. Marina>> 

White Powdery Stuff In My Salt Mix - 12/23/05
Hello everyone!
<<Howdy!>>
I'm switching from natural sea water to synthetic sea water starting today using RO and Instant Ocean salt.
<<Yea!>>
Last Tuesday I started aerating my RO water overnight, the next day (Wed) I buffered it with Seachem's reef builder/buffer...Thursday, I added the salt in the morning and try to adjust the proper salinity as the day goes by until the end of the day, in short I have acquired the proper salinity that I wanted.
<<ok>>
I let it sit again overnight with a power head still running (always since day 1).
<<Best to give it a couple days after adding the salt in my opinion.>>
This morning (Fri) I check if everything is going smoothly, I notice that there is this white powdery stuff covering the power head and the heater, I check the water and looks like Alk is ok and PH is a little low( which I will just probably buffer it a little bit more).  But what really concern me is that white stuff and the cloudiness of the water, I mix about 14 gal of water.  Is this water still ok or just dump it and start all over again?
<<Should be fine, a bit of precipitation is expected.  Especially if you possibly buffered a bit too much.>>
I'm schedule to do my water change this morning (Fri) , If you could pls respond to me ASAP, I would really appreciate
it as I am now getting a panic attack! (I think)...or should I just go back to my "Catalina ocean water"??? PLS ADVISE SOONEST.
Thanks in advance.
Nemo1
<<Synthetic seawater is always best...less chance of introducing pathogens/pollution, as well as better buffering capacity than natural seawater.  I use/have used Instant Ocean for decades and will stand behind its quality/suitability for hobby use.  You have nothing to worry about as long as you are adding the salt to the total water volume (i.e. - don't mix salt for 14 gallons in to a couple gallons of water, adding the rest of the water later) and letting it mature for 48 hours (longer the better).  Try backing off on the Seachem product a bit.  You may have over saturated the water before adding the salt mix.  Regards, EricR>>

Re: White Powdery Stuff In My Salt Mix - 12/25/05
Hello again!
<<Hi there!>>
Thanks for your quick response.
<<Welcome>>
I did my water change tonight as per your advise that this water is still ok.  It's a little bit cloudy for the first 20 min.s or so, but after 20 more min.s, everything is back to normal...thank you very very much!!!, as I was about to dump this water from frustration and go back to my natural sea water,
<<Not a good choice>>
I just don’t know what to do with the 150 gal bucket of salt.
<<???>>
But anyway, the water is now crystal clear and I've notice that synthetic water is more clearer than the natural sea water (yellowish in color).
<<Mmm...the presence of organics/chemical pollution maybe.>>
I didn't notice this until today since I've been using natural sea water from day one (almost 9 mos-72G reef).    
What if I add the salt first, test the water... then buffer it ???
<<Probably fine...depending on your source water, you may even discover you don't need the buffer.>>
Will there be a big difference?
<<Try it and see...>>
This way I can figure out how much buffering the water needs, I think the salt itself has already a buffering compound in it (?).
<<To some extent, yes.  Regards, EricR>>
Nemo1

Problem of molting with Mantis Prawns and Lobsters   1/18/06
 

Dear Sir/Mdm,
The above is the lab test results of the artificial seawater that I am using in my cement pond tank that is about 20ft by 20ft. I am using the four chemicals above at the qty. in grams to the required Mg/L of RO/DI water.
<!>
The problem is when I have the Mantis prawns or lobsters or even prawns in the pond, their shell cannot harden after molting and all of them eventually die. Is there any other trace chemical that is missing from my seawater formula that is causing this problem or is there other cause for this.
<... a few deficiencies here... like pH... and many more "things" that could account for this that are not detailed...>
I have some sea cat fish and some other marine fish that don’t have a problem with the water.
Thank you,
Best Regards.
Nikson Cheah.
<I would look into procuring more "sun-dried" sea salt, and buffering this with a mix of carbonate, bicarbonate... to a higher pH... Much to discuss here... Bob Fenner>
Penang. Malaysia.

- Salt Problems -
I am having a similar (more severe issue) like the user Creative describes in this thread...  My alk is >16dKH and calcium is at 125, will dripping Kalk fix this? <No.> The tank is a new tank and is half way through cycling (0-ammonia, 1.25ppm-nitrites). My pH is great at 8.1, <Sorry my friend, that's not great - should be between 8.2 and 8.4.> SG 1.026 (slowly lowering to 1.025), Temp 80ish,  I have never dosed with anything on this tank, but did have a "snowstorm/Glue on glass effect" when I first mixed up the original Instant Ocean salt... I think that's why the ALK/CA is out of whack. <Probably.> I have since done a 50% water change with Tropic Marin salt (which I am switching to permanently now), and that seems to have lowered the ALK.. Even though it is still off the charts on the Salifert test kit... Seems like the blue color in the test vial is about to break and turn pink when I run out of the reagent in the 1ML vial. At first I continued to add reagent with a 2nd 1ml vial and this is how I know it has come down.
I also did confirm that something was not correct with the original Instant Ocean bucket of salt that I used. I am sending a sample back to them to test. Mixing up a gallon of RO ( 0-alk ) with this bucket of instant ocean
causes the Alk to go off the charts... However Tropic Marin only raises the same batch of RO to 8dKH.
Thoughts? <Sounds like you've found the solution... do a couple of water changes with the new salt and things should be on a more even keel.>
Thanks in advance,
Sonny
<Cheers, J -- >

WWM mail link and Salt mix
Bob,
This is the guy that has been having problems with the WWM link. He sent me an email, and hope you don't mind that I'm forwarding it to you. I feel bad for the guy, he has lost a few of his corals and an anemone...
He's a great guy, and is one of the people that got me into the SW hobby. If you wouldn't mind, can you send him an email.
Thanks
John (aka Magnus)
<No problem. Bob>
The stinking link on WWM still won't work for me, I get it as "undeliverable".
<What, which link is not working? Please describe the nonfunctionality>
I am in dire need of opinions on this:
<Went to do a regular water change last night. Mixed up 12g of saltwater for the tank (55g) and did the change. Immediately, all the Aiptasia reacted a little funny after the change. Actually glad for it, I was not concerned. This morning though, things were obviously not right.
<Not a good sign if one organism is malaffected... likely all are>
The tank is cloudy, and in the meantime the alk is through the roof (22-24dkh) while the PH is down (7.8-8.0). I did more thorough tests and it is my salt mix (IO). 
<I doubt "it" is the Instant Ocean... did you mix some up in new water and test it?>
I have no idea why it is creating such different levels now, only a month ago I had tested the tank and it was right where I wanted it to be. Can salt go "bad"?
<Not likely. Most salts will "clump" (they are hygroscopic... absorb water to become a one-piece ionic solid) but don't change chemically>
What should I do now, corals were hit hard but fish only appear mildly stressed (some rapid breathing). 
Thanks,
Ryan A.> 
<Do check your source water... administer buffers to bring the water to about right pH and alkalinity wise. Please send responses to crew@wetwebmedia.com or if your messages "bounce" there back to me here. Bob Fenner>

WWM mail link and Salt mix problem
Greetings Bob, the link on the "Ask the crew a question" page does not work for me. To be specific, sending to crew@wetwebmedia.com gets returned to me "undeliverable" in a few seconds. It has been this way for a few weeks.
I have successfully used the link in the past, but having not changed anything on my mail server and not being a "computer guy" I am not about to state that the problem is 100% on your end. Judging by your surprise I suppose you have not heard much of this from anyone else (of course if they can't reach you maybe you wouldn't hear about it regardless...hehe). I have enclosed a copy of the returned email if you can decode it, the only thing I notice is that every time I send it to crew@wetwebmedia.com it adds in a "MAIL." wetwebmedia.com tag in it.
<Bizarre. I don't know what might be wrong here... the link works for me. Am sending this note to Jason.C (far more computer savvy) for his input>
As far as the tank is concerned, believe it or not it is the salt mix. I was baffled at first too (I actually thought there must have been some form of contaminant in the water) when I mixed it in the usual bucket). However, mixing it with pure RO/DI water, it does not even register on my dKH kit.
Well I stop at 50 drops (drops equate to dKH in turning the liquid from blue to yellow).
<... trouble... The salt container was unopened when you got it I take it? I would contact the manufacturer and send a sample to them immediately... something must have gone wrong with the batch/mix...>
This was done with both tap and the RO/DI water with the same results. I then went out and bought a brand new package of IO and repeated the test.
With the RO/DI water I came out with 9dkh and with tapwater 10dkh. I then repeated with the old salt and again came up with the elevated alkalinity.
The salt itself is only maybe 2 months old and is kept in the original bucket with the lid sealed in a coat closet. My thoughts were to contact Aquarium Systems as well to see what their thoughts might be.
<Yikes... the folks at AS will definitely want to look into this>
Unfortunately, I lost every coral in the tank from the initial Alk spike and resulting PH crash/precipitation event. There was really nothing to do but sit and watch, waiting for the chain reaction to stop. The tank has since stabilized and all of the fish have returned to normal (from labored breathing, etc.). The only "good" thing from one point of view is that all of the corals were aquacultured....it takes a very small part of the guilt away.
I'd still like to hear your thoughts, including "You're Crazy" ;-) It still boggles my mind what could have occurred with the salt as chemistry wise I am not familiar with the "nuts and bolts" of it so to speak.
Sincerely,
Ryan A.
<Does sound like you got a bucket of mis-mixed synthetic. Of all the years and many, MANY samples of IO this is the first time I have heard of a credible bad batch. Bob Fenner>

- Low pH in Newly Made Water -
Hello, hope everyone is doing fine. I have a question that is puzzling, I have noticed that when I make water for changes the pH is not as high as I expected. I have a deionizer and checking the pH after aerating for 24 hrs is at 7.8 - 8.0 but after I add salt and let mix for 24 hrs the pH is actually dropping to 7.85? Could there be something in the water that is reacting to the salt mix? <Doubt that.> Or could I have a bad batch of salt (instant Ocean brand). <Doubt that too.> I am trying to get the Tank pH up and could not understand why after a water change the tanks pH would drop. The tanks alkalinity is between 10 and 11 DKH (running a dual chamber reactor) and stays constant but having hard time getting the pH up. Now it runs between (lights on 7.9 and lights out 8.1). Any suggestions would be helpful. <I'd add buffer to the freshwater before you add the salt... baking soda would suffice.>
Thanks
Mike W.
<Cheers, J -- >

-Sky high alk!-
My alkalinity is very very high in my tank, about 20. <Yikes, I trust that this measurement is not in alk but in dKH, still very high. You could probably dump a gallon of orange juice in this tank and not notice a pH drop ;) > My alkalinity is close to zero out of the RO/DI. <Ok> I let the water sit for 24 hours, no additives, aerate it, bring it to the proper temp, add salt to 1.023-1.024. I have checked my alkalinity at this point and it is very very high, around 20. <No mystery here, your salt sucks. I use Tropic Marin, the levels are always pretty well balanced and close to natural seawater values. Most of the other readily available salts should have similarly acceptable levels of the important stuff, but I haven't personally tested them lately (Kent and Reef Crystals are both good names in reef salts).> How do I lower the alkalinity? My calcium is about 250-300 I have read through the FAQ's and the article about alkalinity (marbles and all), maybe I am dumb, but I'm not sure what to do. Any help would be appreciated. <Instead of trying to bring it down by offsetting it with calcium, I'd just pick up a new brand of salt and do several water changes on the system, then correct the minor remaining imbalance with some straight calcium chloride to bring the calcium level back to normal and thus suppressing the alk. Hope this helps! -Kevin> Thanks, mark 

- Skimmer and Other Questions -
Hi,
I am trying to find anyone that can tell me what size of Reef aquarium this US Aquarium Hang On Tank venturi model 20 skimmer is rated for? <I looked around the net for a while using Google, and couldn't find this model skimmer. If it came with any instructions, I'd use those to try and locate the company and ask them.> It has bio balls in the chamber and I am wondering if removing the bio balls completely would be ideal? <Something tells me these are part of the design and should be left in.>
Another question:
When I add Instant Ocean salt to my tap water so that the salinity is about 32-33 ppm, the ph of the tap water rises to 8.6 or even 8.7. <I'd let the water mix for a couple of days and then try the tests again.> This is the PH of my reef aquarium and I have two fish that barely survived acclimating to this high PH.  I don't want to add more fish until I bring the PH down to at least 8.4. Is this something that RO water would resolve in and of itself? <RO alone... probably not.> Would water conditioners like "Prime" also do the trick? <As far as I know, Prime does nothing to pH.> Does Seachem Buffer work to bring down the PH to normal 8.0 - 8.4 levels? <No.> What do you recommend? <Let the new saltwater mix for a day or two - add an air stone and power head and let it go for a while and test again.>
Thank you, I realize you are a skeleton crew so I appreciate any answers you can give.
Aaron
Richmond, Utah
<Cheers, J -- >

Magic Ammonia
Hello to all;<Hi, MikeD here>
    I have a problem that seems to have just started happening although I have not changed my routine recently. I have almost .5 Ammonia in my freshly mixed H20.
I use RO/DI water, and mix it in a 30 gallon trash can. The RO/DI water measures 0 Ammonia before I add the salt (Instant Ocean).  Typically I let the fresh water circulate and heat for  3 or 4 days before adding the salt.<Is this in the dark, and, without meaning to sound mean, why?>
After I mix the salt in the Ammonia measures .5! Very frustrating and annoying. My first thought was my test kit was bad (Salt Water Master), it was about a year old. So I got a new kit (Marine Labs) and I still get the .5 reading after  I add the salt.<Instant Ocean was tested and found to be less consistent than some of the higher cost brands, so it may just be a bad batch>
The trash can sits in a room that is rarely used. I can't think of anything that would be causing the Ammonia to accumulate.  I am at a loss as to what could be the culprit.<My only guess would be either bacteria or algae, maybe both, that's growing in the extended aeration period you're using, and when the salt is added it's dying off, with the resulting ammonia you're encountering>
Any ideas?
Thanks.
Bill

Precipitate (9/5/04)
Hello, <Hi. Steve Allen tonight.>
Twice now I have added 1 tsp of Sea Chem Reef Builder <That's 4 times the dose recommended on the label of 1 tsp per 40G.> to my 10 gallon tank of "Water Change Water" after I aerated and added salt. <You should put the buffer in first, before salting.> After a day the tank gets cloudy with a fine white powder. <Something precipitating most likely carbonate.> The fresh water consists of RO and I use Coralife Salt. Can you tell me why this is happening, or is there something I need to test for? The alkalinity tests at 4.5 meq/L. <Not exceedingly high, but high enough that you should be able to get to the target (>3 mEq) by using 1/4 teaspoon as recommended by the manufacturer. And add it before salting and wait a few hours to add the salt.> Michael <Hope this helps.>