Remineralize RO/DI with what?

[ArtC]

Hi -

I'm studiously going through BCP as I set up my new tank, and it talks twice about remineralizing RO/DI water before using as makeup or to mix saltwater.

But I can't find where it says what and how much to remineralize it with... what's the secret recipe?

Thanks.

 

[DonW]

Your salt mix does that just fine. You dont need to "remineralize" anything.

Don

 

[ArtC]

Your salt mix does that just fine. You dont need to "remineralize" anything.

Don

So I should just ignore that 'Calfo' person and his silly book about coral propagation?:shock:

But, but, the high point of my time in the hobby was when he put my hammer coral up on the projector at our annual meeting and pointed out to the club what a well cultivated specimen it was. So if he doesn't know what he's talking about...:doubt: I wish I hadn't asked!:lol:

 

[DonW]

So I should just ignore that 'Calfo' person and his silly book about coral propagation?:shock:

But, but, the high point of my time in the hobby was when he put my hammer coral up on the projector at our annual meeting and pointed out to the club what a well cultivated specimen it was. So if he doesn't know what he's talking about...:doubt: I wish I hadn't asked!:lol:

I think A. Calfo knows a thing or two about the hobby. Bottom line is NO remineralization is required period. I would love to hear the rational to remineralizing make upwater. Remineralize with what, how much and why.

Don

 

[dnjan]

Saltwater mixes are formulated to provide the proper proportions with neutral (demineralized) water. Since saltwater mixture suppliers don't know your local water, they are forced to formulate their mixtures for neutral (demineralized) water. So starting with RD/DI water is the safest bet.

 

[SeaMonster]

remineralize..........thats a word you dont hear everyday, remineralize......remineralize......

 

[ArtC]

Saltwater mixes are formulated to provide the proper proportions with neutral (demineralized) water. Since saltwater mixture suppliers don't know your local water, they are forced to formulate their mixtures for neutral (demineralized) water. So starting with RD/DI water is the safest bet.

I've always started with RO/DI and never heard of adding anything else to prepare the water for mixing salt. I have heard of remineralizing RO/DI for freshwater tanks.

That's why I asked in this forum - it's his second edition Book of Coral Propogation that says to do add (unspecified) buffer after RO, and I couldn't figure it either. Doesn't say what with, but suggests that salt mixes are designed assuming some (unnamed) buffering species already exist in the water they are added to. Maybe it was true in the 1st edition days and snuck through editing. That would explain why the book doesn't actually say what to add.

 

[chris&barb]

I think A. Calfo knows a thing or two about the hobby. Bottom line is NO remineralization is required period. I would love to hear the rational to remineralizing make upwater. Remineralize with what, how much and why.

Don

Don, this go's back to people thinking that RO water drives down their PH because it in its self has a lower PH then saltwater.


The act of adding salt mix to fresh water (ro/di) is reminaralizing

 

[Curtswearing]

Heck, I did this all of the time because I had so many tanks with so many different Calcium, Magnesium, and Alkalinity draws. It definitely made my life easier.

I had my own witches brew that I used but there are things you can buy. Off the top of my head I can think of Osmo Prep Marine or Aragamight. For reasons that are beyond the topic of this dicussion, I don't recommend Aragamight for tank use but it's quite useful in your RO/DI trash can.

With all of the above said, this was convenient for me and as long as you are topping off regularly, no remineralization is necessary.