Phosphates in RO/DI Water - Page 2

mitch91175 · 02/16/2018, 02:35 PM

I have come to the conclusion that after I run through my current salt, I am longer doing water changes. I have been reading on individuals not doing water changes and have thriving aquariums. I know from reading that all mixes have some type of ammonia in them, but I just cannot bring myself to investing in high end SPS until I get a handle on everything. I will dose ALK/CAL/MAG to keep those levels where I want them to be.

I know a little ammonia shouldn't overall hurt my system since it has been setup for almost 4 years, but trying to keep all of my other parameters as level as possible looks like it is going to be a pain from mix-to-mix. I get that the levels are a little higher in mixes, etc. but man can they fluctuate and from all of my understanding in the hobby is that too much fluctuation can cause problems and those that I can avoid I will try to do my best to avoid.

Hey will also save me some money on salt, RO/DI filters, etc that I can apply to additions to the tank.

NOTE: I will still keep the system for RO water but not use for salt unless absolutely necessary.

tkeracer619 · 02/16/2018, 07:58 PM

What salt are you using and what test kit are you using?

Those that are successful with no or few waterchanges rarely decide to do it, the tank tells them it doesn't need it over time.

mitch91175 · 02/16/2018, 08:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tkeracer619

What salt are you using and what test kit are you using?

Those that are successful with no or few waterchanges rarely decide to do it, the tank tells them it doesn't need it over time.

Using reef crystals. Testing with a Milwaukee Mi407 Ammonia (Low Range) Photometer for both fresh/saltwater. I could have understood a lower ammonia like 0.01-5 but that high is crazy scary. Just for grins gonna test it again to see if it changed. I aerated the water over night and tested in the morning.

mitch91175 · 02/16/2018, 08:23 PM

I get a Hanna HI761 tomorrow to check to make sure that I do not have any chloramines. Changed all my filters so that 100% better not be the case. Just ruling out stuff.

bertoni · 02/16/2018, 08:57 PM

Some people who skip water changes do well; others have serious problems. Over time, I'd expect the ionic balance to shift and cause problems, on average, but that's going to vary. Water changes are relatively easy and inexpensive, and can do a lot:

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2005-10/rhf/index.php

ramseynb · 02/16/2018, 09:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mitch91175

Using reef crystals. Testing with a Milwaukee Mi407 Ammonia (Low Range) Photometer for both fresh/saltwater. I could have understood a lower ammonia like 0.01-5 but that high is crazy scary. Just for grins gonna test it again to see if it changed. I aerated the water over night and tested in the morning.

Check out ESV salt. You'll need a small digital kitchen scale and it's a little more work to mix, but it's well worth it. Mixes perfect every time and is on the lower side on alk.

mitch91175 · 02/17/2018, 08:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ramseynb

Check out ESV salt. You'll need a small digital kitchen scale and it's a little more work to mix, but it's well worth it. Mixes perfect every time and is on the lower side on alk.

I may have to look into that rather than the salts that are already all mixed together for when I do need to do a change. Just too untrusting right now of the premixed solutions. There is someone on my local forum selling some of it.

mitch91175 · 02/17/2018, 04:51 PM

Total ULR test read 0. So definitely nothing in fresh RO water. Oh well, moving on from it. Just lessons learned to not trust a salt mix. Test it every time.

02/16/2018, 02:35 PM	#26
mitch91175 Premium Member Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 303	I have come to the conclusion that after I run through my current salt, I am longer doing water changes. I have been reading on individuals not doing water changes and have thriving aquariums. I know from reading that all mixes have some type of ammonia in them, but I just cannot bring myself to investing in high end SPS until I get a handle on everything. I will dose ALK/CAL/MAG to keep those levels where I want them to be. I know a little ammonia shouldn't overall hurt my system since it has been setup for almost 4 years, but trying to keep all of my other parameters as level as possible looks like it is going to be a pain from mix-to-mix. I get that the levels are a little higher in mixes, etc. but man can they fluctuate and from all of my understanding in the hobby is that too much fluctuation can cause problems and those that I can avoid I will try to do my best to avoid. Hey will also save me some money on salt, RO/DI filters, etc that I can apply to additions to the tank. NOTE: I will still keep the system for RO water but not use for salt unless absolutely necessary. Last edited by mitch91175; 02/16/2018 at 02:49 PM.

02/16/2018, 07:58 PM	#27
tkeracer619 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Westminster, CO Posts: 17,289	What salt are you using and what test kit are you using? Those that are successful with no or few waterchanges rarely decide to do it, the tank tells them it doesn't need it over time. __________________ Hobby Experience: 9200ish gallons, 26 skimmers, and a handful of Kent Scrapers. Current Tank: Vortech Powered 600G SPS Tank w/ 100gal frag tank & 100g Sump. RK2-RK10 Skimmer. ReefAngel. Radium 20k.

02/16/2018, 08:57 PM	#30
bertoni RC Mod Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Mountain View, CA, USA Posts: 88,616	Some people who skip water changes do well; others have serious problems. Over time, I'd expect the ionic balance to shift and cause problems, on average, but that's going to vary. Water changes are relatively easy and inexpensive, and can do a lot: http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2005-10/rhf/index.php __________________ Jonathan Bertoni

02/16/2018, 08:23 PM	#29
mitch91175 Premium Member Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 303	I get a Hanna HI761 tomorrow to check to make sure that I do not have any chloramines. Changed all my filters so that 100% better not be the case. Just ruling out stuff.

02/17/2018, 04:51 PM	#33
mitch91175 Premium Member Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 303	Total ULR test read 0. So definitely nothing in fresh RO water. Oh well, moving on from it. Just lessons learned to not trust a salt mix. Test it every time.