Issues with Aquavitro Salinity

[siavashv]

So I started making my own water lately. I got a new BRS 5 stage RODI unit. I am getting zero TDS on the meter and making the salinity as directed. The salinity of the salinity comes to a good 1.026 but my alkalinity level is horrible. It says on the bucket that it should give you 9.0-12.0 or something and mine is testing in both of my tanks at 7.0?! I even tested just the saltwater alone and it still has this low alkalinity. My ph is fine and my calcium is ok 410. But I shouldn't have to be dosig with a buffer with salinity, right?! Do I have a bad batch or what is going on? Help.

 

[gmpolan]

Mines the same, usually sits around 6 to 7...

 

[crewdawg1981]

No issues with my Alk... Been using the stuff for ~ a year.

 

[siavashv]

gmpolan;661796 wrote: Mines the same, usually sits around 6 to 7...

So why are we using it?!

 

[grouper therapy]

siavashv;661799 wrote: So why are we using it?!

Hmm!

 

[gmpolan]

Here is the big thread on it...

http://www.atlantareefclub.org/forums/showthread.php?t=56038">http://www.atlantareefclub.org/forums/showthread.php?t=56038</a>

i personally like although i am having some issues and might be changing soon....

 

[crewdawg1981]

PM Seachem and see what they have to say...

 

[smartwater]

I used for a year well almost had two large buckets and had to buy reef crystal ( couldnt find good deal on salinity) switched to reef crystal... I think my coral respond better to reef crystal so I discontinued use.

 

[mikew]

smartwater;661812 wrote: i used for a year well almost had two large buckets and had to buy reef crystal ( couldnt find good deal on salinity) switched to reef crystal... I think my coral respond better to reef crystal so i discontinued use.

+1.

 

[gnashty]

gmpolan;661796 wrote: Mines the same, usually sits around 6 to 7...

Same here....was getting low mag too - switched to IO since I already dose..

 

[siavashv]

MikeW;661816 wrote: +1.

Hey Mike,
I thought you used Salinity?

 

[siavashv]

Also another question, I have been mixing the Salinity in this rubbermaid box and even after the cloudiness is gone, there seems to be some residue at the bottom of the container. Is this common? and if I have a pump in it constantly flowing, is it ok to leave the water just circulating for a week or so? Also, does the temperature have any effect on the alkalinity? I don't have room to make the water in my house, so I make it at my shop which doesn't have air conditioning. But when I bring the water to my house, I let it sit for a day to get the temp within a couple degrees of the tank water.

 

[crewdawg1981]

siavashv;661921 wrote: Also another question, I have been mixing the Salinity in this rubbermaid box and even after the cloudiness is gone, there seems to be some residue at the bottom of the container. Is this common?

Yes... very common. According to the Seachem rep its because of the ingredients that they use and will wash off easily. My Brute currently has the buildup on the inside as well.

siavashv;661921 wrote: and if I have a pump in it constantly flowing, is it ok to leave the water just circulating for a week or so?

Yup. As long as you keep it circulating you're good. However, the Seachem rep also indicated that leaving the mixed water running for a longer period of time allows some of the minerals to precipitate out, so its not ideal

siavashv;661921 wrote: Also, does the temperature have any effect on the alkalinity? I don't have room to make the water in my house, so I make it at my shop which doesn't have air conditioning. But when I bring the water to my house, I let it sit for a day to get the temp within a couple degrees of the tank water.

Nope. I usually dont worry about the temp until a few hours before my water change when I turn on the heater. However, and i realize there isnt too much you can do about this, they indicated that leaving the salt mix running without using it for over 24 hours is not ideal as some of the minerals will precipitate out.