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Old 11-15-2007, 02:27 AM
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Default Same problem here...

I'm having the same problem, and I am also using Ocean Pure Pro salt. I wonder if this is part of the cause. I'm trying to maintain an alkalinity (KH) of between 7 and 8, and do this I have to add 3 heaping teaspoons of Seachem Reef Builder alkalinity booster every 2 days in a 200 gal aquarium. One thing I have noticed is that I lose about 0.5 of KH every day, so it is not an instantaneous reaction. Could it be that some carbonate minerals are precipitating out in that time frame?

My calcium levels have stayed high (425-450ppm) and magnesium levels are also high (1450-1500 ppm) at a salinity (SG) of 1.024. I tested a new batch of the salt and it gave me a [Ca2+] of 525 ppm and Kh of 9.5 at a salinity of 1.0255. By the way I am using Elos test kits.

Does this sound like an additive imbalance as well (I haven't added any Ca supplments)? I've mixed the additive in fresh water and never noticed much precipitate, but I must admit I didn't ensure every last bit was dissolved. However, the amount left was insignificant compared to what I started with.

Appreciate if anybody has some more insights- I have read a few of the Farley-Holmes articles and have a degree in chemistry so that part of the article is not a mystery, but it is not obvious to me where the carbonate is being consumed.

Mike- hope you don't mind my jumping in this thread- I just thought I'd post here since we're having some of the same problems.

Ed
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