Reef Crystals making my RO/DI water cloudy??

Hi everyone.

So here is the scoop;

I've just started a 90G. A few days ago, I got a 60GPD RO/DI unit from spectrapure. I ran it for a good few hours, and wasted the first 8 gallons or so as they advise.

I had the unit running until my tank was about 1/2 full, then added enough salt for 40G worth of water. Mixture was ReefCrystals, and the salt was BRAND NEW. No moisture introduced before adding to the tank.

The salt was added at least 12 hours ago, and the water is still VERY cloudy. There is no sediment present anywhere, and it appears as though the salt has fully dissolved. I have a powerhead running in the tank, and the temp is 79F.

Why is it still cloudy? I've never had this happen. Is there a problem with my water?

 

do you have any sand in there?

 

Lol....

no sir, no sand.

Just salt, and water.

 

hmmm....maybe the PH is not moving enough water to mix it well enough? Perhaps an airstone to help with aeration?

When I mix IO RC's the water in the water change barrel is clear within an hour or so.

I have a large Eheim pump, heater and and airstone to prepare the water in a 55 gallon blue drum.

 

Hmm.... the powerhead is a 1600GPH, so it's got a very very good flow of water going.

Good idea on the airstone... I just threw one in there, and added the powerhead towards the surface to break the surface up as much as possible.

I also just filled a little bottle with water from the RODI... I'm going to put a small amount of salt into it, and then do the same with water from a different source, and see if there are any majorly different results.

I'll keep you posted. Thanks for following.

 

sounds like you are on the right track!

 

Did you add it slowly or did you measure out 40 gallons woth and dump it in? You should add it slowly, otherwise it can precipitate or flash as you are seeing. This is a common mistake heard all the time.

 

If you added a bunch at once it will take a little while. Give it some time like mentioned.

 

I did add all of it at the same time. Lesson learned. It took 3-4 days to clear up, but the water looks great today.

Thanks!!