marine buffer magically clinging to tank seams

mikoz · 07/20/2012, 12:24 PM

Hi,

I have been using a bit of buffer to regulate the KH and have been surprised by what's happening. Despite mixing the solution out of the tank, I am finding that it's collecting on the seams around the corners and the overflow box. It's actually "sticking" to the tank, so much so that the only way I've been able to remove it is with a razor which obviously makes me nervous, I don't like the idea of a razor near the seals.

What's going on here and is this common?

thanks!

disc1 · 07/20/2012, 01:11 PM

It is combining with the calcium in the tanks and making calcium carbonate. What are the current alk, Cal, and mag numbers? It usually means you're adding it too fast. But if calcium is too high or magnesium is too low it will cause the same problem.

Sport507 · 07/20/2012, 02:17 PM

As David says, post your

Magnesium ppm
Alkalinity dKH
Calcium ppm

numbers and it will tell what's taking place. My guess is that you are low on Magnesium.

disc1 · 07/20/2012, 04:11 PM

BTW, it's not magic. It's chemistry.

Sport507 · 07/20/2012, 04:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by disc1

BTW, it's not magic. It's chemistry.

Yes, it sure is chemistry it’s a love chemistry. The calcium and carbonate ions love to get together and make that calcium carbonate that collects like the OP has described. But when the (parent’s) magnesium is present it keeps the lovers apart until they can be used by coralline or stoney coral growth. Simply put!

mikoz · 07/20/2012, 06:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sport507

Yes, it sure is chemistry it’s a love chemistry. The calcium and carbonate ions love to get together and make that calcium carbonate that collects like the OP has described. But when the (parent’s) magnesium is present it keeps the lovers apart until they can be used by coralline or stoney coral growth. Simply put!

Hi

Thanks all. I'll bring the water in for testing.

I always hated chemistry, I guess there is finally a practical application for it.

mikoz · 07/24/2012, 12:31 PM

So the magnesium was within normal range. What they think might of happened is that I dosed too fast. While I was careful to dissolve it first, it's possible some my have precipitated.

I got most of it off by carefully using a razor but the build-up around the overflow box is tough as the surface of the overflow box is not smooth. Luckily most of it formed along the lower half of the overflow box so it's not so bad.

Apart from draining the tank (not really an option at this point), are there any tricks for removing it?

Thanks!

Sport507 · 07/24/2012, 02:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sport507

Post your

Magnesium ppm
Alkalinity dKH
Calcium ppm

numbers and it will tell what's taking place.

07/20/2012, 12:24 PM	#1
mikoz Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 93	marine buffer magically clinging to tank seams Hi, I have been using a bit of buffer to regulate the KH and have been surprised by what's happening. Despite mixing the solution out of the tank, I am finding that it's collecting on the seams around the corners and the overflow box. It's actually "sticking" to the tank, so much so that the only way I've been able to remove it is with a razor which obviously makes me nervous, I don't like the idea of a razor near the seals. What's going on here and is this common? thanks!

07/20/2012, 01:11 PM	#2
disc1 -RT * ln(k) Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Little Rock Posts: 9,705	It is combining with the calcium in the tanks and making calcium carbonate. What are the current alk, Cal, and mag numbers? It usually means you're adding it too fast. But if calcium is too high or magnesium is too low it will cause the same problem. __________________ David Current Tank: Undergoing reconstruction...

07/20/2012, 02:17 PM	#3
Sport507 ~Just a Farm Boy~ Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Central Indiana Posts: 1,651	As David says, post your Magnesium ppm Alkalinity dKH Calcium ppm numbers and it will tell what's taking place. My guess is that you are low on Magnesium. __________________ Sport If you do not test for it, DON'T dose it. Indiana INDMAS Member

07/20/2012, 04:11 PM	#4
disc1 -RT * ln(k) Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Little Rock Posts: 9,705	BTW, it's not magic. It's chemistry. __________________ David Current Tank: Undergoing reconstruction...

07/24/2012, 12:31 PM	#7
mikoz Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 93	So the magnesium was within normal range. What they think might of happened is that I dosed too fast. While I was careful to dissolve it first, it's possible some my have precipitated. I got most of it off by carefully using a razor but the build-up around the overflow box is tough as the surface of the overflow box is not smooth. Luckily most of it formed along the lower half of the overflow box so it's not so bad. Apart from draining the tank (not really an option at this point), are there any tricks for removing it? Thanks!