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 ?

[chark]

When I made new water I checked my Reef Crystals last week and it was 7.8.

[Ping]

I do not run a Calcium Reactor so I do not check my pH. I just make sure the Ca and Alk levels are within range.

Newly mixed synthetic seawater is not saturated or stable. Conduct the water change and make adjustments to the main system.

[Ping]

As well as Alk levels and to further explain:

I have an overflow, sump and skimmer for gas exchange.

[OrionN]

Check it after you mixed for at least 1 day

[Bill S]

You really have to make sure it's completely oxygenated. CO2 levels will dramatically affect pH, and with carbonates in the mix, you need to make sure to drive any CO2 off.

[OrionN]

I usually agitated my water with a PH with some air intake to keep it oxygenated also. I almost never use newly mixed salt water for at least 1 day. Newly mixed water is not stable and toxic to fish and other animals. You can get away with using newly mix water if you only change perhaps up to 25 % of the water. IF you change 100% of the water, fresh mix salt water will kill most of you fish and invertebrates.
How long do you have to wait until you can safely use it? I don't know but I have change 100% of my water using 1 day mixed water without problem.
BTW, pH probe are notorious for not given accurate pH reading. You have to calibrate it essentially every time you use it. Too troublesome for me to use.

[Bill S]

Minh,

I'm sorry, but I do this all the time. My nano gets a change of about 50-60% regularly - and there are a pair of clowns, a blenny and a RTBA, along with some other critters. Usually gets mixed for a hour or 2.

Frankly, I use large quantities (over 25%) of newly mixed salt all the time. I make sure it's clear, and that it's been decent oxygenated.

[NeptunesGhost]

I am with Orion on this. I always mix my salt (Red Sea Pro) a minimum of 24hrs prior. It is mixed in a 30G barrel with a K4 mix pump and an air-stone for oxygenation. This gives the water a chance to stabilize. Generally, my PH is a bit high, not low. I guess I could be oxygenating too much.

[rz1a]

Same here, I mix minimum one day before, or a few days in advance. I have a 32g brute trash can with a maxi-jet and sure flow mod. I never really check pH either as long as the alk and cal are within the ranges i need