Water change problems

[mgranato]

I change 25 gallons on my 150 reef every 2 weeks. I mix Tropic Marin in a Brute with RO/DI water. The RO/DI water is well aerated, heated, and buffered (baking soda) before I mix it with the salt. The salt mixes fine and stays clear for 2-3 days after initial mixing, but by day 3 everything (sides of can, heater, air stone, cords and hoses) become coated with a white chalky substance. It's a major hassle because of the mess that settles at the bottom of the can. Does anyone else have this problem? Am I doing something wrong to cause this reaction? Any suggestions for clearing this up?

 

[ZooKeeper1]

Why are you buffering the water with baking soda, and how much are you using ? Baking soda adds alkalinity. It's likely that you are boosting alk too high and you are getting precipitation of calcium carbonate in your bucket.

 

[spaulr]

Ditto what zookeeper said. I learned the hard way and actually did this to my tank - 8O

 

[mgranato]

I've always read (heard, been told) to buffer RO water prior to use. I use 3 teaspoons of baking soda. However, I'm obviously getting the wrong reaction from that advised method.

Today I replaced the air stone with a powerhead to just agitate the surface. The water is very clear since getting rid of the bubbles - any possibility that I was "over aerating" the new water?

Thanks for the input so far, and I'll try the next batch without any buffer.

 

[bleedingthought]

Ditch the baking soda and see how it goes. Just mix it well before you do your water change and check your PH.