Instant Ocean ALK test

[NaTe R]

I just ALK tested my Water change ALK to see what in fact it is, because i have had a slight increase in ALK in my tank in the last month and this is what i came up with.

Instant Ocean 25gal SG @ 0.27 mixed for 36hrs
ALK @ 13.1
PH @ 7.96

has anybody tested new IO mixes to see what yours is?

I Read the RC thread that says they got ALK at 11 in there tests at 0.26SG

 

[Boomer]

13.1 is high but most are getting lower than that . Do you use all the salt in the mix or just part of the mix ? If only using part of the salt mix make sure it is well mixed, as the dry salt can settle out in the bag/bucket an give funny readings.

 

[NaTe R]

i only use part. I mix 25 gal for WC at a time. i do shake the bucket when i get them and roll them around a bit.

So Question
I have been ALK stable for 2 months at 9.6 - 9.9 and before that i had a week were it got up to 10.4 - 10.6. and avraged 9.8

With this new salt bucket giving me these readings. Should i buffer this WC in some way so i don't introduce 13.1 to my current 10.6. i dont want to raise my ALK anymore than that. every time i do get above 10.4 my entire system shows negative signs.

 

[Boomer]

Since the WC water has a higher Alk reduce any buffering if you were buffer up the Alk on a daily or weekly bases. You can not buffer water to lower the Alk, unless you add a nasty acid to it. You can buffer water to lower the pH but that is NOT Alk. What is your Salinity ? I would jsut lower it 1 point if you are at 26 go to 25 until you have used it all. And are you SURE you have not made a testing error on the Alk ?

 

[NaTe R]

i checked my test kit yesterday before asking the question with the included test check solution and i got good results. I would have to go look to be sure but i believe the test solution said it should read 7.3 and i got 7.6. What ever the test solution said i know i got 0.3 of a higher reading witch was within the +/- accuracy of the test kit.

I just added ro to my mix to drop SG a bit and i will re test in a few hours. I will let you know when i get some results

 

[NaTe R]

Ok i got WC test results

Instant Ocean 29gal SG @ 0.25 mixed for well over 36hrs
ALK @ 10.9 w/salifert
PH @ 8.00 w/pinpoint monitor 30day recent cal

I think thats close enough but i will make sure and shake this bucket now that it half full might mix up better now.

Thanks for the input Boomer

 

[Boomer]

Ok Nate