9.5 Alk

[Steved350]

So I’ve normally ran my alk at 9.5 for no other reason than that’s that I picked when i started my calcium reactor. After talking to several people I’m in the minority up at 9.5 and want to drop it to 8.5. Alkalinity swings are a bad thing so how long should I take to get down to 8.5?

 

[DSC reef]

Why do you want to drop it? If everything is fine I wouldn't change it.

 

[dealseer]

What problem are you needing to address?

 

[Steved350]

I guess I was actually looking for reasons not to do it so sounds like I’m good. I have no issues other than having to increase alkalinity in my water chance vat. Fritz Pro usually mixes up at 8-8.5.

 

[malacoda]

Why do you want to drop it? If everything is fine I wouldn't change it.

+100 If your tank is happy and healthy, no need to change anything.

As far as upping alk in your water change vat, if you're only doing small (10% or so) water changes every so often (twice a month or even less frequently), why bother? I would just use it at 8.5. A 10% ... e.g. 0.1 dkh ... drop in alk during a water change will not affect your tank at all. (9.5 tank alk - 8.5 vat alk = 1 dkh difference. 1 dkh x 10% water change volume = 0.1 dkh drop in tank alk due to water change).

Besides, if your dosing remains stable and consistent, over time water changes will bring your tank will down to the 8.5 on their own.