Instant Ocean Problems

[bri7795]

People,

In my 20H, I have been batteling an ALK problem for sometime now. I tried buffers with no help, then tried doing nothing and relying on water changes to bring the ALK where I need it over time as I introduce new water during my regular water changes. Still no help. So, I thought that the tank just needed time to adjust and maybe there was an ionic imbalance that would work itself out. What led me to think there was a problem was that my coralline never really took off after 8 months.

Then I started setting up my 4Gallon Nano to allow it to cycle and thought that I would test the newly added Instant Ocean water I just made. It seems that the ALK is the SAME AS THE 20H!!!! I seem stuck at an ALK of 2.0 meq/L (LaMotte Test Kit). Has anyone else had this problem? When I mix my water, I let it set with a heater and PH overnight before adding it to my tank.

80F
1.024SG
0.0 Ammonia
0.0 Nitrite
Undetectable Nitrate
110 Watts Light
2 PH, plus 1 Aqauclear 300 HOB
1 Aqua C Remora Skimmer
30 Lbs LS
27 LBS LR
2 Small Percula Clowns
1 Yellow Dwarf Angel
1 6-Line Wrasse
Various Corals

[Geoff]

2.0meg/l is what seawater is. it is considered minimum, but acceptable. what is you Ca levels? these usually go hand in hand? corraline will also not grow if there is not any Ca for it to build with.

G~

[Mafiaman]

I'm starting to fall out of love with IO salt also (still have 5 buckets to use up) I have Alk issues also and in addition the PH in my new mix never gets above 7.9. I mix 35 gallons, 5-10 days prior to use. Constant mixing with a mag 7 and aerating with outside air.
To no avail. My calcium is at about 400.

[bri7795]

My calcium is about 450ppm per my SeaChem test kit. I always try to watch my ALK and Ca levels closely.

I have enough IO left to make about 20 gallons. I have some new Oceanic that I have heard and read good things about. I am going to try switching to Oceanic next scheduled water change which should be in about a week and see what happens.