Saltwater mix testing and result of high Ph

[2014]

Hi,

I read a recommendation about testing saltwater mix before water changes. I am using Bio-Sea Marine Mix by Aqua Craft. It is a local company that my LFS sells.

Anyway, I tested the mix today with the SG at 1.025 and the ph seems to be over 8.8 on my API High Range test kit.

The Alkalinity was between 7 and 8 and the calcium is at 500 ppm!

Is this unsafe for my tank?

[2014]

Maybe I should have posted this in the reef chemistry forum?

[2014]

I did find a previous thread about low alkalinity with Bio Sea. Also seems the calcium is consistently on the high side, so at least that's ok.

I just mixed up a 30 gallon batch and really don't want to throw out this water if I don't have to. This is the first time I've mixed in my new Brute can (after rinsing it twice with RO/DI wastewater and once with RO/DI water.) It doesn't smell very nice so I really want to make sure the water is safe.

Can't say I understand the relationship between Ph, alkalinity, and Calcium too well in spite of skimming through a few of Randy's articles on it.

My inclination is to say that the high Ph is not a big deal and will be neutralized my CO2 or something like that.

I've been trying to do frequent water changes to get my Nitrates/Phosphates down and have been fairly successful so far but any delay in schedule like this seems to set me back.

Any thoughts about using this saltwater mix with high ph?

[bmrigs]

Hi,

I read a recommendation about testing saltwater mix before water changes. I am using Bio-Sea Marine Mix by Aqua Craft. It is a local company that my LFS sells.

Anyway, I tested the mix today with the SG at 1.025 and the ph seems to be over 8.8 on my API High Range test kit.

The Alkalinity was between 7 and 8 and the calcium is at 500 ppm!

Is this unsafe for my tank?

Most likely your local company doesn't have the manufacturing capacity to create a consistent salt mix from bag to bag. Stick with a well known and reputable brand. I use Seachem Reef Salt and it's very consistent and dissolves easily.

[downbeach]

Have you tried aerating the water? There are some salt mixes that mix with a high pH; once you aerate the water allowing the CO2 to equilibriate with the surrounding atmosphere the pH will come down.

[2014]

I have it in a bucket with a heater and a 800gph powerhead. Is that type of flow enough to aerate or do I need to add airstones or something?

I really don't want to throw this stuff out unnecessarily and from what I have read so far a slightly high ph may not be an issue here. I just don't know.

Additionally, further research on this mix shows that it is actually not just an obscure local brand. It just happens to be made in the Bay Area where I live but is a reputable salt with some very good reviews from knowledgeable sources. It also has some questionable reviews.

I filled out the company's online feedback form since it was the only method of contact provided in hopes of getting their input. Haven't heard anything.

Good news is my water is getting nicely aged as I wait...:worried2:

[downbeach]

Does the PH have a venturi attachment?

[2014]

No, I don't think. That would be an air intake?

[downbeach]

Yes, typically a device that attaches to the discharge of the pump with a nipple for a piece of airline tubing, drawing air into the water as it is discharged from the pump. The pump should be attached under, but near the top of the water.

As seen here:

http://i1226.photobucket.com/albums/ee410/Downbeach88/PH_zpsul8vapvy.jpg

[2014]

Ok. Thank you. That's not what I have in the saltwater mix but I will try something like that next time.

The ph happened to go down over the period of another day. I had about a gallon in a separate bowl and it got to about 8.2 in one day while the water in the Brute can was at around 8.4 after 2 days. So I guess the oxygen just took a while to get in there with the more enclosed area.