Alkalinity Too Low?

[tmreynolds]

Evening,

Since my tanks been up and running, my alkalinity has dropped from 11 dKH to around 6 dKH, I understand this is normal, but is this getting too low, my pH has been a stable 8.2 since day 1?

If so, should I start to dose with anything, this Link for example?

 

[steelhealr]

If your pH is 8.2 (perfect) and your dKh is 6 (acceptable), what are you trying to do? Are you treating numbers? SH

 

[SkiFletch]

From my understanding of what Dr Farley preaches, 6dKH is fine for fish and most inverts, but calcerous coral growth will cease at this point... I know if it were my tank, I'd dose with an alkalinity addative, cept I'm cheap cause I just use baking soda . The seemingly general consensus around the hobby is that for MOST corals, a dKH of 8-9 will yeild slow growth and 9-11 is ideal for growth conditions. Some corals (SPS especially) thrive on exceptionally high dKH in the 12+ range which is almoast un-sustainable without exotic dosing like a calcium reactor

 

[tmreynolds]

If your pH is 8.2 (perfect) and your dKh is 6 (acceptable), what are you trying to do? Are you treating numbers? SH

On the contrary, I'd prefer not to dose unless absolutely necessary.

My main concern is the health of the corals, but if you're saying 6 dKH is acceptable, then I'll leave it. Will a reading of 6 allow for coral growth as 8-9 is mentioned above?

Both your inputs are greatly appreciated.

 

[steelhealr]

No one asked what his calcium level was.....that is an important question to ask since it the major player in the alkalinity question. SH

 

[tmreynolds]

No one asked what his calcium level was.....that is an important question to ask since it the major player in the alkalinity question. SH

I'll pick up a test kit at the weekend and post results. I have all the basic tests (ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, alkalinity, pH, phosphate) any other tests I should consider along with calcium?

Cheers,

 

[SkiFletch]

Well, it of course depends where in the ocean you sample from, but if memory serves, typical NSW has a calcium of around 410ppm and an alkalinity of around 9dKH. Someone correct me if I'm wrong on this please. But given those values, thats what I shoot for

 

[steelhealr]

Most reefers should do fine with the following tests:

1. pH
2. nitrate
3. ammonia
4. nitrite
5. calcium
6. kH
7. phosphorus

Once you have a well-established reef with many corals and coralline algae, then, one could consider adding iodine (iodate, free iodine and iodide) and magnesium. Dosing for strontium, molybdenum and iodine is unnecessary, in most tanks, if regular consistent water changes are performed. SH

 

[SkiFletch]

And Reynot1, have you read any reef chemistry articles by Dr. Randy Holmes-Farley?

 

[tmreynolds]

Most reefers should do fine with the following tests:

1. pH
2. nitrate
3. ammonia
4. nitrite
5. calcium
6. kH
7. phosphorus

Once you have a well-established reef with many corals and coralline algae, then, one could consider adding iodine (iodate, free iodine and iodide) and magnesium. Dosing for strontium, molybdenum and iodine is unnecessary, in most tanks, if regular consistent water changes are performed. SH

Cheers, I'll just get calcium then and post results

And Reynot1, have you read any reef chemistry articles by Dr. Randy Holmes-Farley?

Call me Tim No, are these books or are they available on the Internet?

Cheers

 

[andywg]

By an amazing co-incky-dinky I was there tonight and have just put them in the realm of knowledge.

As an aside, I really recommend a glide through the pinned realm of knowledge, has some great stuff in there.

 

[SkiFletch]

By an amazing co-incky-dinky I was there tonight and have just put them in the realm of knowledge.

As an aside, I really recommend a glide through the pinned realm of knowledge, has some great stuff in there.

AMEN to that. Bring your thinking cap Tim, Randy hits hard but everything there is imperative for proper reef knowledge.

 

[tmreynolds]

Hi guys,

Bought a salifert calcium test today, my calcium level is 370/380 ppm. This is a bit low, but not too bad I guess?

By an amazing co-incky-dinky I was there tonight and have just put them in the realm of knowledge.

As an aside, I really recommend a glide through the pinned realm of knowledge, has some great stuff in there.

Cheers guys,

By an amazing co-incky-dinky I was there tonight and have just put them in the realm of knowledge.

As an aside, I really recommend a glide through the pinned realm of knowledge, has some great stuff in there.

AMEN to that. Bring your thinking cap Tim, Randy hits hard but everything there is imperative for proper reef knowledge.

I'll try to find a quiet moment and have a good read, cheers.

 

[tmreynolds]

Bump

Alkalinity 6 dKH
Calcium 370/380ppm

Should I start dosing, and if so whats the best product, or just continue to monitor?

Cheers,

 

[andywg]

It depends on your water change regime. I find that frequent water changes keeps everything in check nicely.

Try testing some freshwater before it goes in and see what that gives you.

If all else fails then you can look at dosing, though I would have said those levesl should be ok for the less demanding corals (softies etc).

Check out the threads on RC, they have some good DIY mixes to save on dosing.