Salt Question..

[myakkareef]

I have been using IO salt for over 10 years...On some of the buckets when mixing it leaves behind a white flaky film. I have noticed this more recently, then I did say a year or so ago. What is this white film. It actually binds up the maxi jet I use to mix my salt with. Untill a year ago I used the same powerhead for years and years. Now it is like the power heads are being distroyed by this film. The only other thing that changed is my water source. Prior I was on a Florida Well. Now I am on City Water. I have always ran RODI and always keep a check on TDS of output water. So I believe it has something to do with the IO salt mix changing...Any Ideas??

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

I have been using IO salt for over 10 years...

Me too.

The white precipitate is likely calcium carbonate. Here's a picture of it that has built up for a long time in my salt water reservoir:

What is that Precipitate in My Reef Aquarium?
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2005-07/rhf/index.htm




A few years ago, IO seemed to switch to higher alkalinity (like 4 meq/L now as opposed to 2.5 meq/L a few years back) and that might have altered the precipitation. I wouldn't worry about it too much, but I agree the pump issue is a concern. I've not noticed that problem myself using powerheads to mix it.

[myakkareef]

Thats the film, flake or whatever. Maybe because I actually do more water changes now then a year or so ago I see this more, but, unless I clean my powerhead out every month it builds up and locks the shaft. Thanks Randy

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

You're welcome.

Happy Reefing.

[LittleBlueGT]

I have found that adding about 150 ppm of magnesium to my water first then adding the IO salt works perfect.

Actually I had 150 ppm magnesium then add about 80 ppm calcium, then add salt.

Been doing this for 1.5 years now and everything works better. My main pumps go for over a year before needing cleaning, used to go only about 6 months.

[samvanrf]

Originally posted by LittleBlueGT
I have found that adding about 150 ppm of magnesium to my water first then adding the IO salt works perfect.

Actually I had 150 ppm magnesium then add about 80 ppm calcium, then add salt.

Been doing this for 1.5 years now and everything works better. My main pumps go for over a year before needing cleaning, used to go only about 6 months.

I thought Instant Ocean salt was supposed to have Magnesium and Calcium.

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

It does, but not as much as some folks like. I boost it too with Dowflake (boosting calcium by 70 ppm) and MAG flake (boosting magnesium by 150 ppm.

[samvanrf]

This might explain why my calcium and alkalinity are dropping since I started to change 10% water weekly. I searched in Marine Depot web site but could not find Dowflake and MAG flake

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Actually, IO usually has pretty high alkalinity. Usually about 4 meq/l (11 dKH). So if alkalinity is dropping, you are probably just not supplementing enough calcium and alkalinity.

[samvanrf]

Thanks. I will look at the calcium reactor too

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Sounds good. A little more CO2 may do the trick.

[samvanrf]

The effluent PH is 6.7-6.8 so I think CO2 is OK. However, I noticed the media is kind of mushy. May be time to change the media

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Replacing it may help, but I'd judge the amount of CO2 needed more by the alkalinity of the effluent than the pH.

These may help:

A Guide to Using Calcium Reactors
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2002-0...ture/index.htm

Calcium Reactor setup calculator (CaCO3/CO2 reactors)
http://home.comcast.net/~jdieck1/reactor.html

[psimitry]

Originally posted by samvanrf
This might explain why my calcium and alkalinity are dropping since I started to change 10% water weekly. I searched in Marine Depot web site but could not find Dowflake and MAG flake

Marine Depot doesn't carry Dowflake or MAG flake (it's actually in their interest not to do so since you can formulate your own supplements using them for a LOT cheaper then they sell other brands).

If you're in an area that freezes over or snows, you're in good shape. MAG flake and Dow flake (from what I've read) are both commonly sold as deicing agents.

If you're not, you can find Dow flake repackaged as "All-Clear Calcium Chloride" at pool shops that carry the All-Clear brand. Note: do some calling around first. Some pool stores that carry the All-Clear brand aren't carrying calcium chloride anymore (something about the calcium gumming up the works.. I dunno).

The MAG flake is going to be a bit harder. I called all of the Home Depots and the Lowe's in the area and couldn't find it to save my life. I think I'm probably going to have to take a road trip up to an area of AZ that freezes/snows in order to buy it (and it'll still be cheaper and more fun than having it shipped in).

[samvanrf]

Thanks all. I just measured Magnesium with Salifert test kit. It is only 1110. Could that be the problem? Anyway, I am shocked to find out with Reef Chemistry Calculator: to bring Magnesium to 1250 for my 150G I need to add 200 tsps of SeaChem Reef Adv Mag

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

I'd raise the magnesium to 1250 to 1350 ppm.

It takes a lot of magnesium supplement to raise magnesium since even for a dry solid the magnesium is only about 10% of the weight. I personally do not care for the Seachem magnesium since it is not ionically balanced. I would prefer Kent, ESV, or MAG flake.

[samvanrf]

With IO salt new mixed water, I measured 380 CA, 10.4 ALK and 1185 MAG. Looks like I need to add supplements for CA and MAG for every water change

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Those values look quite typical for IO.

I add Dowflake and MAG Flake to boost calcium and magnesium in IO by 70 and 150 ppm, respectively.

[psimitry]

Did I mention how glad I am that I'm switching back to IO soon?

I love the concept of a $30 or so bucket of salt with IO as opposed to the $80 I'd been paying for Tropic Marin Pro.

[samvanrf]

Originally posted by Randy Holmes-Farley
Replacing it may help, but I'd judge the amount of CO2 needed more by the alkalinity of the effluent than the pH.

These may help:

A Guide to Using Calcium Reactors
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2002-0...ture/index.htm

Calcium Reactor setup calculator (CaCO3/CO2 reactors)
http://home.comcast.net/~jdieck1/reactor.html

A Guide to Using Calcium Reactors says CR adds both CA and ALK. Some where I read it only maintains CA and ALK. Clarification please

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

All balanced calcium and alkalinity addition methods (limewater, CaCO3/CO2 reactors, two part systems, etc) add both calcium and alkalinity in a ratio of about 18-20 ppm calcium for each 1 meq/L (2.8 dKH) of alkalinity. That is the ratio used in calcification by corals, so that is why they are called balanced.

You can add as much as you want, and raise levels as much as you want, but if the calcium needs a big boost, say 100 ppm, then alkalinity will rise (or try to rise) by an additional 5 meq/L (14 dKH). Such high alkalinity would not normally be desirable, and will cause precipitation of calcium carbonate from solution. That is why a calcium only supplement, such as calcium chloride, is the best thing to use for a big calcium boost.

[samvanrf]

Thanks Randy, I think I got it now. I will use CR to raise ALK to desired level then add Turbo Calcium to raise CA to desired level. After that, the CR will help maintain both CA and ALK

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Sounds good. Good luck.