Remineralization Cartridges: Thoughts?

[rayjay]

No, I didn't state that pH measures salts, I stated that the pH reading was dependent on the salts being present. As the RO/DI process removes the salts, without the salts there is no buffering to assist a reading. I didn't state this last part but thought it only necessary to state the salts were needed to get the accurate reading.
The LACK of buffering capacity is BECAUSE the salts are no longer there in the treated water.
I never said that Randy was saying pH measures salts either.
I also know about the gassing of CO2.
As for why I don't have pH measurement tools and other automated devices, I started the hobby many many years ago when these things were not available to us here in the hobby, and as I never found a need for it, I never bothered wasting my money on it as things worked out fine without.
I still have no need of these devices in any of my tanks even though I now only have seahorses.
At my age and in my condition I've had to drop all the reef tanks and stuck with my newer passion, being physically unable to keep up everything.
Please show me where I said that "measuring salts is inaccurate".
Possibly you misread what I actually said?

[Aquattro]

Originally Posted by rayjay

because the pH reading is going to be dependent on salts in the water...

This is what I'm going on, and yes, perhaps I misunderstood your intent. However, as stated, it's incorrect. pH is not dependent on salts, although it is affected by salts. This is the point I wanted to clarify.

I think we're possibly arguing the same thing, from different sides. Yes, pH is affected, indirectly, by various salts which are providing buffering. But, that does not mean you can't accurately test, it means the value is more unstable due to outside factors like temp, CO2, etc.
In the end, yes, you can measure, but the value may not be what you expect. That doesn't mean it's wrong. It simply means the solution has shifted due to external influence.
I also agree that this is pointless, as I think pH in this hobby is a useless measure of anything, and I haven't run a pH meter in more years than I can recall.

Does OP need a remineralization thingy? No, he doesn't

[TripleT]

Thanks Guys!

My head hurts after reading all those papers on RO water

I'm actually 50km north of Calgary, in Crossfield. I understand that our water source is from the Red Deer River. If that helps any one...

Good discusion, puts what I've read into perspective.

I put Calgary down, to stop questions as to where Crossfield is.

[Aquattro]

Like I said, unless your water is coming from beneath a volcano or some other weird source, you're fine Just add salt, roughly to manufacturer's specs, and pH will be good.