PoolDoc, kelemvor, aylad,

Thanks for the good advice. I'll use the salt test strips for more accuracy.


rpoldervaart,

Yes, I try to keep borates about 50 ppm. It's relatively easy. Concentration almost never rises and the only occasions in which I add borax is during partial water replacements. And yes, it minimizes my pH bounce, but like aylad said, it also raises pH. I don't use it to raise pH simply because my pH never goes down. My pH bounce (only in the up direction in my case and not at a rate I would consider "quickly rising") due to the chemical action of my SWCG and due to my fill water being on the alkaline side, would be worse without borates. So, don't be afraid of a little borax. Approximately 50 ppm, as far as I know, shouldn't harm anything.

As for the dust rocks, well that's a different story. If you're interested, I will share what I've done in the past, results, etc.

Thanks again everyone,
jonnymac