mixing salt water

[jhmuse]

I have run into a few problems while mixing salt water and adding the pH buffer to it. When I have the saltwater mixture done and at the salinity that I want it, I add the buffer to it (SeaChem Reef Buffer). When I do this, it turns the water a milky white. I have also tried adding the buffer to freshwater first then mixing in the salt. The results are the same.

What suggestions do you have for keeping the water clear? Do I have to dissolve the buffer in fresh water first, then add it to the salt water?

Any input would be helpful. Thanks.

Jake

 

[stresco]

Why are you using a PH Buffer? What is your source water (RO/DI, TAP)? What is the alk level of your source water before you add the buffer? What brand of salts are you using? Most salts have PH buffer in them already.

 

[TheMadNucleus]

What is likely happening is that your water has a lot of positive hydorgen ions and as a result the buffer (perhaps Calcium Carbonate) is percipating the calcium as the ions combine with the carbonate giving of Co2.

This will result in a milky haze (all of the calcium in the solution). Generally this will settle over time - or end up as a white crustaceous deposit on the glass, etc. The molecules are too small for the filter to remove.

As stresco mentioned - you should likely measure the paramters of the water before you add the buffer.

Tom

 

[Biggen]

Are you trying to raise the ALK of the newly made water? And if so, what is the current ALK level and how much do you want to raise it?

 

[jhmuse]

I just realized what my problem was. I needed to dissolve the pH buffer in fresh water before adding it to the salt. I am now embarrassed. Thanks for the advice.

Jake

 

[fishfreek]

IM still curious why the buffer. The salt mix should have the buffers needed to get your water up to PH, alk levels already.

 

[stresco]

IM still curious why the buffer. The salt mix should have the buffers needed to get your water up to PH, alk levels already.

So am I. Why the extra buffer??? :?

 

[Biggen]

I guess we will never know...

 

[TheMadNucleus]

Ahhhh - perfect example of calcium precipatation - only get to see this once in awhile.

 

[yaksplat]

Well, if you want to see a repeat of it, just keep adding liquid calcuim to your tank

 

[wrkalot]

I'm confused... we use tap water (well not city water) and we see a ph drop when doing water changes . We are using a new Oceanic salt. What exactly should we be testing the tap water for?