Reef Crystals & Instant Ocean -- Extremely Low PH

[z28pwr]

Is it just me or what. If I mix Reef Crystals with RO water to 1.025 sg I end up with a PH of 7.3 and if I mix IO to 1.025 I end up with a PH of 7.2. I checked this with both my Neptune PH Monitor and with a PH test kit. You would say big deal, just add some buffer but the buffer raises both PH and DKH which by the time I get the PH to 8.0 the DKH is at 16, thus I have to buffer it with Limewater to get it to 8.1 where I have the tank at. I thought maybe my refactometer is off (even though I just recalibrated it) but I followed their exact directions and mixed 1/2 cup of salt in 1 gallon of water and ended up with 1.025 SG with a PH of 7.3...



Am I the only one with this problem ?