Unbalanced salt = Alk problems

[Reef@BR]

I need some help.

I´m cycling my first reef aquarium, after 20yrs in freshaquariums.

I used the italian salt Prodac OCEAN REEF:

http://www.prodacinternational.it/english/index.php?link=10

After 48hs of mix, the parameters are unbalanced:

pH: 8.3
Ca: 560
KH: 3 dKH (1,07mEq)
Mg: 1300

The mix was quick, and no saturation.

So, I used potassium bicarbonate (I use it for years in my freshaquariums, with no problem), increasing KH to 10 dKH (3,6 mEq).

After 24hs, my sump had a white dust on bottom. Ca remained at 560, and KH back to 3dKH. Aragonite in my display had a small hardening.

All my potassium bicarbonate was precipitated.

What do I do?

1) Change the water to a balanced saltwater (with another salt, course)

2) Use another buffer to increase KH?

Thanks a lot.

[Billybeau1]

Use baking soda instead. Just make sure your alk kit is reading correctly.

I have only seen 2 salt mixes over the years with dkh that low (which was obviously an error by the manufacturer).

and

[welcome]

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

I agree with the kit check. My guess is that you had higher alkalinity than you thought, so then you may have raised it too high.

[Reef@BR]

Thank you guys

I will check with another kit.

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Sounds good.

let us know what you find. :)

[Reef@BR]

New KH kit, new tests:

Ca (Salifert): 540
pH (Salifert): 8.2
KH (Tropic-Marine): 8 dKH :eek1::eek1::eek1:

Well, is it acceptable now?

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

:thumbsup:

yes, looks fine. I'd let the calcium decline before supplementing it. :)