Wrong Salt Mixture with API for Freshwater

[Funnyfishguy]

Hi everyone,

I bought API saltwater crystals for $8 too add to my aquarium which is 37 gallons because my salinity dropped to 1.021 where I wanted to raise it to 1.026 not knowing it was for freshwater only.

I know this may throw the Alkalinity off where around (2) cups of the API salt was used. Alkalinity raised to about 1.023 where now I’m thinking I should drain all the water (tank is cycled) and start over or continue forward and use the right stuff. What would you suggest? I don’t want to continue with the same water if I am going to have Alkalinity issues later on!

 

[KrisReef]

Alkalinity or salinity or ? I'm not certain. I think API makes a fresh water salt that fresh water folks use to add a touch of salinity to the tank. I believe it is sodium chloride only and not a mixture of elements (including NaCl) that people use for marine tanks?

If you want a marine tank, you need something like Instant Ocean and the API (freshwater?) salt isn't the right thing.

 

[Funnyfishguy]

Alkalinity or salinity or ? I'm not certain. I think API makes a fresh water salt that fresh water folks use to add a touch of salinity to the tank. I believe it is sodium chloride only and not a mixture of elements (including NaCl) that people use for marine tanks?

If you want a marine tank, you need something like Instant Ocean and the API (freshwater?) salt isn't the right thing.

Thanks! Yes I was certain it was for Marine Setups when I purchased the salt but afterward I noticed it said for freshwater on the top.

I want to continue with the water so nothing is wasted where I can still add marine salt (the tank was originally set up with Marine salt where I was topping off due to salt crawl to stabilize levels). But if I do so it will make others levels off possibly like Alkalinity.

 

[sqm01]

Make sure you are topping off with RODI water, not more saltwater. The water evaporates, but the salt stays in the system.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

If the tank is not too big, I'd do water changes. The salt used will be deficient in all sorts of things. But assuming this is a new tank without corals and such, there's no rush.