Looking for some opinions on water chemistry, Been having trouble with nitrate levels so I bought salifert test kits and tried again.I made new water at got strange results.
PH 7.7
DKH 14
Phosphate .25
Calcium 520+ (extapolated the scale and I think it is about 580)
All other values were in spec.
Used just tap water and denitrifier.
Made water to spec using Kent reef salt. Let the water sit for 3.5 hours took readings and got the results I listed.
Is it the tap water or the reef salt or some combination. Also open to suggestions as I am new to the hobby and still very humble.
Just don't want to kill anything
How long has your tank been set up? Have you tested your new make up water before adding it to your tank? Are you dosing anything? What is your SG?
It's a good rule of thumb to allow your new water to mix for at least 24hrs before adding it to your tank.
Another note...If at all possible STOP using tap water. If you cannot get RO, RO/DI from you local pet store, try looking for bottled RO water at the grocery store. Salt mixes do have some nitrates in them, and tap water has a lot! So yes it's possible that your nitrate issues are coming from a combination of the two.
are you on a municapal water system or a well ?? .25 Po4 is slightley elevated and the calcium is very high.I would be more concerned about the 7.7 Ph if it was me. I personally have not used Kents salt so I am not certin if that is normal alk levels. Might want to mix the salt up in the bag or bucket.When I used Reef Crystals back when I use to roll the bucket around before makeing new water and would see much diffrent results then if I didn"t. Switching to better water will help a great deal tho.At worst use distilled watter from the grocery store.
Excellent advice about the water. Thanks. Got my municipal town water report.contacted Cuno a freshwater filter company and sent them the report. They are evaluating it and will make recomendations. They are not aquarium specialists. Does anyone think this will be a problem. Also all their systems appear reasonably priced and include Rodi
And a drinking water kit and a holding tank ,
You'll most likely pay much more getting an RO/DI unit through such a company. Try looking for one through one of our sponsors here at CR. Are you planning on just using it for your aquarium? I have a 4 stage unit that I just attach to my kitchen tap. I have a smaller tank so it doesn't take much to make up water. I do about 10g bi-weekly.
You can buy a reef quality RO/DI for around $130-$200 complete and add a drinking water kit for another $60-$80 and have your own system with no monthly maintenance fees or contracts. I wouldn't even consider having someone else do it, their prices and contracts are ridiculous.
Excellent advice about the water. Thanks. Got my municipal town water report.contacted Cuno a freshwater filter company and sent them the report. They are evaluating it and will make recomendations. They are not aquarium specialists. Does anyone think this will be a problem. Also all their systems appear reasonably priced and include Rodi
And a drinking water kit and a holding tank ,
Gotta agree with AZ,I would NOT sighn a contract or really anything with a water company. I saw on spectra pures web e mail they are selling refurbished RO DI units at very resonable prices.They make very good units and are very trust worthy.Call them and discuss what you want to do.They will not steer you wrong. Good luck !!!
Water parameters
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There's nothing like being a Reefer!
Originally Posted by smontmagny59
