Salt Question

[Salt1972]

We've been using Reef Crystals salt for years. As we seek more stability for success with SPS, we notice that the RC mixes to 11dKh. We target 8.5dKH and get an Alk spike every 2 weeks when we do a 20% water change. We turn off the doser for 1 or 2 days and then resume.

What's the solution to the Alk spike?

1. Use regular Instant Ocean salt? What about the trace elements we need for SPS, LPS, etc.?
2. Mix IO & RC 50/50?
3. Use a different salt mix?

What say you?

BTW- we were recently in the FL Keys and took a water sample. Salinity measured 1.029. That's much higher than the 1.026 we mix and see recommended. Thoughts?

Thanks--

 

[Crabs McJones]

Not sure if it contributes to your issue, but I have heard reports of RC buckets settling out and causing spikes. Solution was to take the bucket and roll it around for a little bit to get everything mixed back up appropriately. It's at least worth a try :)

 

[BestMomEver]

First off.... we had a 500 gallon mixed reef way back and found that if we ran the Salinity higher (1.026-1.028) our calcium and alkalinity were more stable.

As for IO.... I can’t really say.... I buy my saltwater from the LFS who uses IO. It may be the number of SPS frags/colonies I have but I can hardly keep calcium/magnesium/dkh up to minimum levels. Since I don’t do water changes often (the water I buy is for nano tanks), I have no idea what the parameters are in the saltwater we buy. Maybe I should check it out!

 

[FMF0331]

Not sure if it contributes to your issue, but I have heard reports of RC buckets settling out and causing spikes. Solution was to take the bucket and roll it around for a little bit to get everything mixed back up appropriately. It's at least worth a try :)

I did this method for a little bit , then got tired. Switch over to Tropic Marin and never looked back.
A little more expensive, but i think the SPS in my display tank is well worth it

 

[dwest]

We've been using Reef Crystals salt for years. As we seek more stability for success with SPS, we notice that the RC mixes to 11dKh. We target 8.5dKH and get an Alk spike every 2 weeks when we do a 20% water change. We turn off the doser for 1 or 2 days and then resume.

What's the solution to the Alk spike?

1. Use regular Instant Ocean salt? What about the trace elements we need for SPS, LPS, etc.?
2. Mix IO & RC 50/50?
3. Use a different salt mix?

What say you?

BTW- we were recently in the FL Keys and took a water sample. Salinity measured 1.029. That's much higher than the 1.026 we mix and see recommended. Thoughts?

Thanks--

I would use IO or keep using RC but do 10% weekly changes.

 

[Crabs McJones]

I did this method for a little bit , then got tired. Switch over to Tropic Marin and never looked back.
A little more expensive, but i think the SPS in my display tank is well worth it

I agree, I actually switched to Fritz Reef Pro Mix. And as far as I can tell, i've never had a nutrient spike. I get the box that comes in a bag, and maybe all that moving around in a plastic bag keeps it well mixed? not sure :)