chipmunkofdoom2
Reefing newb
Hey all. I'm looking into getting an RO/DI unit. Back when I got my tank, I mixed up some salt water with tap water (which I've known for years is relatively hard) and tested it. The pH was a little high, like 8.3-8.4, but still okay for just fish and the Alkalinity was a little high, but okay as well. I've been using tap water with an additive since then, but I doubt that's gonna fly if I try to get into corals..
My first question is about the theory... I know RO/DI units remove just about everything, especially if they're 4 stage. What I'm not sure about is how to get the kH back up to an acceptable level. Is there a specific regimen of additives I'm going to have to start with the purified water? I understand the pH and alkalinity are related, but I'm just not sure what I have to do to get the mineral content back in the water so that the pH doesn't fluctuate. One site said most salt mixes can take care of that, but I'm not sure I belive that. I use Instant Ocean.
My second question is... where do you get one of these bad boys without breaking the bank? Haha.
Thanks a lot for all your help.
My first question is about the theory... I know RO/DI units remove just about everything, especially if they're 4 stage. What I'm not sure about is how to get the kH back up to an acceptable level. Is there a specific regimen of additives I'm going to have to start with the purified water? I understand the pH and alkalinity are related, but I'm just not sure what I have to do to get the mineral content back in the water so that the pH doesn't fluctuate. One site said most salt mixes can take care of that, but I'm not sure I belive that. I use Instant Ocean.
My second question is... where do you get one of these bad boys without breaking the bank? Haha.
Thanks a lot for all your help.