Buffering

[VoodooChild]

Heyya folks. I have a question on buffering. Currently I have a 10 gallon holding tank for mixing. The water I use is tap, which requires little modification since it already is hard and the pH is somewhere around 8.1. Anyways, I believe the phosphates are somewhat high, so I was going to start using R.O. My question is: If I put use the R.O., do I then use a buffer and then mix salt, and will the pH rise to where I want it (obviously I'll test), or do I need to add some form of Proper pH? Thanks alot.

[kreblak]

I mix the RO water with instant ocean at 79* temp until my salinity gets to 1.023. When my salinity and temps are where want them, my PH typically follows suit without any help from me. After mixing, I find my PH at 8.2, except for once when I wasn't paying attention and mixed at 70*.

[BrianH]

Water temperature does not affect the salinity of the water. It does change the readings you will get on your hydrometer. I would try to have your hydrometer calibrated against a refractometer to make sure your getting the correct salinity reading. FYI most hydrometers are calibrated at 60 F. Therefore, you may be getting a more accurate reading at 70 F than 79F.
JMHO

Brian

[mogurnda]

Salt mixes are already buffered with carbonate and borate, so mix, stir, warm and go!

Aren't the swinging arm hydrometers calibrated at 78? Nonetheless, I am a huge fan of calibrating with a refractometer.

[widdledink]

What is a refractometer? Never heard of one B 4

[BrianH]

Check out this link refractometer (http://www.diyreef.com/shop/product_info.php?products_id=35) for a good price and description of a refractometer.

Brian

[VoodooChild]

I believe most are set to 74(F). Thanks for all the replies guys!