Reef Crystals and low alk

[Dr4gula.f32]

In May I got a box of reef crystals off Amazon. Price was similar to LFS, it was a convenience thing. In May, I also ran out of Hanna alk reagent, and also, bought a bottle off Amazon so I could have it next day.

From that point on my Alk seemingly tanked. I thought the hanna broke. I emailed hanna and they sent me free replacement reagent. Same result.

Kinda didn't test for a month of so. No visible issues in the tank. Back to getting with testing and the same thing, my tank is testing at 5.5 on the Hanna and about 6 with an old Salifert test.

Finally I go downstairs and check the AWC mixture, and it too is measuring about 5.5dkh! I just mixed this bucket last week, and this is bag number 2 from the Amazon box.

Has anyone seen this happen before?

I'm about 1/3 of the way through my 55 gallon AWC. Should I just dump it all and start with a fresh box from the LFS? I do 1 gallon a day AWC on a JBJ65

 

[fishface NJ]

Why dump it. Just adjust with alk

 

[|Frank|]

Had this problem a few years ago. So I switched to RedSea blue bucket mix. Was well worth it. I'd use what you got and dose alk then switch when its gone.

 

[eggie]

DId you check your salinity ?

 

[Dr4gula.f32]

DId you check your salinity ?

I dont usually check the salinity of the display. It has an ATO that works which I check the log on a few times a day, and it has an AWC via DOS which I frequently check on. When I make my fresh mix of salt, I use a Milwaukee digital checker which I calibrate with bottled calibration solution before I use it. I make about 50 gallons per batch, and use about exactly 1 bag of salt to do so. So, while I have not tested it, I am certain the display is pretty spot on for salinity.

 

[eggie]

I dont usually check the salinity of the display. It has an ATO that works which I check the log on a few times a day, and it has an AWC via DOS which I frequently check on. When I make my fresh mix of salt, I use a Milwaukee digital checker which I calibrate with bottled calibration solution before I use it. I make about 50 gallons per batch, and use about exactly 1 bag of salt to do so. So, while I have not tested it, I am certain the display is pretty spot on for salinity.

Well in that case you could add for it or just get a better salt brand

 

[Fish Fan]

Admittedly, I don't have a great answer, but I'm skeptical that your IO Reef Crystals is mixing to such a low alk. Usually, IO is fairly high alk.

I want to say that @Reefer Matt uses IO and would know. @rtparty would also know.

@Miami Reef

#reefsqaud

 

[rtparty]

Make up 1 gallon of new water. Check salinity, alkalinity, and calcium.

It’s best if you can weigh the salt. Start with 160 grams of salt per gallon of water.

It is uncommon to have something be off that far but I wouldn’t be shocked either

 

[Reefer Matt]

In May I got a box of reef crystals off Amazon. Price was similar to LFS, it was a convenience thing. In May, I also ran out of Hanna alk reagent, and also, bought a bottle off Amazon so I could have it next day.

From that point on my Alk seemingly tanked. I thought the hanna broke. I emailed hanna and they sent me free replacement reagent. Same result.

Kinda didn't test for a month of so. No visible issues in the tank. Back to getting with testing and the same thing, my tank is testing at 5.5 on the Hanna and about 6 with an old Salifert test.

Finally I go downstairs and check the AWC mixture, and it too is measuring about 5.5dkh! I just mixed this bucket last week, and this is bag number 2 from the Amazon box.

Has anyone seen this happen before?

I'm about 1/3 of the way through my 55 gallon AWC. Should I just dump it all and start with a fresh box from the LFS? I do 1 gallon a day AWC on a JBJ65

I’d double check with another test kit like Salifert before making any changes, Hanna Checkers are not bullet proof. Also double check specific gravity. Reef Crystals should mix up to around 10.5 dkh. The no visible distress is telling that it is a testing error imo. Unless this is a softy tank.

 

[Fish Fan]

Make up 1 gallon of new water. Check salinity, alkalinity, and calcium.

It’s best if you can weigh the salt. Start with 160 grams of salt per gallon of water.

It is uncommon to have something be off that far but I wouldn’t be shocked either

Thanks for your help!

 

[Fish Fan]

I’d double check with another test kit like Salifert before making any changes, Hanna Checkers are not bullet proof. Also double check specific gravity. Reef Crystals should mix up to around 10.5 dkh.

Thanks Matt!

The OP mentioned they used both the Hanna as well as Salifert, but I agreed that IO tends to mix at a higher alk

 

[Reefer Matt]

Thanks Matt!

The OP mentioned they used both the Hanna as well as Salifert, but I agreed that IO tends to mix at a higher alk

Yeah, just saw that. Either a testing error or the salt. Maybe getting a known good water sample to test from the LFS will help rule it out. Or have them test the water in question.