Low Alk in freshly mixed Reef Crystals Orange Box?

Zpmada · 11/08/2021, 09:55 PM

Hello,

I am finishing up an orange box of Reef Crystals (couple years old). I just noticed the alkalinity in the mixed salt is only 7.5 dKH (my tank is around 6.5 dKH). I checked this with a Hanna Checker, and Salifert Test kit. Both confirm 7.5 dKH in freshly mixed salt (mixed 4 gallon bucket with salinity as 1.03 because my 80 gallon tank is 1.024 and I am trying to raise the tank salinity to 1.026). Before mixing the salt in water overnight, I also mixed the dry salt bag (half used).

I should note, the salt was clumped together rock solid and needed to be broken apart and mixed. It's as if moisture got in the bag. Could humidity have reduced the alkalinity? Does the salt have a shelf life? I'm very confused because I thought my alkalinity would be 11-13dKH. I read Reef Crystals has some of the highest Alk. I just purchased a new box of Fritz RPM High Alk (red box) and will mix that tomorrow and see what I get. Any idea what went wrong with my older bag of Reef Crystals?

Should I throw this remaining bag of Reef Crystals away, or keep it incase I ever need to reduce Alkalinity?

Thank you

Vinny Kreyling · 11/09/2021, 11:44 AM

Moisture affects salt parameters. You can use it but you will have to adjust any water made.

11/08/2021, 09:55 PM	#1
Zpmada Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2017 Location: Phillipsburg, NJ Posts: 95	Low Alk in freshly mixed Reef Crystals Orange Box? Hello, I am finishing up an orange box of Reef Crystals (couple years old). I just noticed the alkalinity in the mixed salt is only 7.5 dKH (my tank is around 6.5 dKH). I checked this with a Hanna Checker, and Salifert Test kit. Both confirm 7.5 dKH in freshly mixed salt (mixed 4 gallon bucket with salinity as 1.03 because my 80 gallon tank is 1.024 and I am trying to raise the tank salinity to 1.026). Before mixing the salt in water overnight, I also mixed the dry salt bag (half used). I should note, the salt was clumped together rock solid and needed to be broken apart and mixed. It's as if moisture got in the bag. Could humidity have reduced the alkalinity? Does the salt have a shelf life? I'm very confused because I thought my alkalinity would be 11-13dKH. I read Reef Crystals has some of the highest Alk. I just purchased a new box of Fritz RPM High Alk (red box) and will mix that tomorrow and see what I get. Any idea what went wrong with my older bag of Reef Crystals? Should I throw this remaining bag of Reef Crystals away, or keep it incase I ever need to reduce Alkalinity? Thank you

11/09/2021, 11:44 AM	#2
Vinny Kreyling Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Miller Place, NY Posts: 7,206	Moisture affects salt parameters. You can use it but you will have to adjust any water made. __________________ 250 gallon mixed reef, 2 Reefbreeder's Photon V 2, Deepwater BLDC 12, DAS EX-3 Skimmer, MTC mini cal, 2-3/4" Sea Swirls, Aquacontroller & 6 Tunze pumps.