View Full Version : addatives for RO/DI
ncompany
06-08-2008, 2:45 PM
I have been using my RO/DI unit for around a month now and I have low magnesium levels and low calcium. I don't know the exact measurements right now I'm at work. I can post these when I get home. Should I be adding anything to the DI water when I'm mixing the salt? Or do I just add the water and the salt? I have seen R/O right from kent but I havent seen any other additives for D/I water. Should I dose magnesium to get the level up so I can raise my calcium. I can't remember what my dkh is off the top of my head either. Does anyone have any suggestions?
ncompany
06-08-2008, 2:53 PM
well if I could read it says for freshwater. Does the salt add these elements?
Amphiprion
06-08-2008, 3:18 PM
Well, you sort of do both. You'll want to boost your salt mix levels after mixing in a container (for calcium, alkalinity or magnesium--whatever is necessary). You'll want to do the same to the main tank IF levels fall below what they are supposed to be.
ncompany
06-08-2008, 3:33 PM
I know that my calcium was around 300 and the magnesium was low but cant remember the number right now I know that my magnesium was low and my dkh was high will post these levels when I get home.
What test kits are you using? Some kits give inaccurate calclium readings if you mag levels are low. What are your mag levlels?
ncompany
06-10-2008, 9:36 AM
the calcium test kit is a red sea and the others are salifert. the calcium is up to 400 and the magnesium is still at 1050.
Amphiprion
06-10-2008, 10:51 AM
That level is low, but not low enough to interfere with calcium results. If the magnesium is boosted, however, you will get better calcium and alkalinity solubility. In other words, if you get the mag up, you can easily raise the others. Shoot for around 1300-1400 for mag.
ncompany
06-10-2008, 11:08 AM
So will I have to dose magnesium to get the level up? My LFS that I go to is closed on mon and tues so I will have to go tomorrow to get some magnesium. My alk is ok I checked it last night and the calcium is up to 400 so thats good just need to get some magnesium additive.
Amphiprion
06-10-2008, 11:40 AM
Yes, and you'll want to check your freshly mixed saltwater and boost it (if necessary) before doing a water change. Just a heads up: It will take quite a bit of magnesium additive to boost it that much. You have a severe deficit.
ncompany
06-10-2008, 11:44 AM
Thats what i figured I was looking at getting the seachem magnesium powder. What type have you used if any?
ncompany
06-10-2008, 11:53 AM
What would cause such a low number?
Amphiprion
06-10-2008, 12:24 PM
Could be the salt mix to begin with or deposition elsewhere (coralline algae uses it extensively).
ncompany
06-10-2008, 12:40 PM
Had quite a bit of coralline algae then it seemed to go into recession. It is just now making a come back seeing a lot of deep purple growing all over. I will go to the LFS tomorrow after I get off of work and begin the task of raising the magnesium level. I just started testing it about three weeks ago. I was unaware that I needsed to be testing it. So from here on out I'll be testing often and dosing when needed. I just switched salts as well from IO to RC.
Amphiprion
06-10-2008, 9:58 PM
Had quite a bit of coralline algae then it seemed to go into recession. It is just now making a come back seeing a lot of deep purple growing all over. I will go to the LFS tomorrow after I get off of work and begin the task of raising the magnesium level. I just started testing it about three weeks ago. I was unaware that I needsed to be testing it. So from here on out I'll be testing often and dosing when needed. I just switched salts as well from IO to RC.
Those two are about the same in terms of magnesium concentration, so it shouldn't be too different.