Alk for mixed reef

Where do you keep your Alk for a mixed reef?

  • 7.9 or lower

    Votes: 3 10.3%
  • 8.0 - 8.5

    Votes: 11 37.9%
  • 8.5 - 9.0

    Votes: 5 17.2%
  • 9.0 - 9.5

    Votes: 6 20.7%
  • 9.5 - 10.0

    Votes: 1 3.4%
  • higher than 10.0

    Votes: 3 10.3%

  • Total voters
    29

SpikeWire

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Hey folks,
Knowing that the best Alk is a steady Alk, do people aim for a certain number for a mixed reef? My tank is 5 yrs old and I'm starting with SPS up near the top. If you have a mixed reef, what do you aim for?
 

Spare time

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Aim for whatever your salt mixes to. I aim for 11-12 since I use coral pro. I have SPS, LPS, and softies as well as a lot of anemones and other creatures. Higher alk up to a certain point (around 13 max) will grow SPS and LPS faster. Some prefer lower alk with acros and what not because running a ultra low nitrate phosphate tank (common with those all sps tanks) will provide too little nitrogen and phosphorus for higher alk, which results in skeletons growing faster than the tissue can.
 

homer1475

Figuring out the hobby one coral at a time.
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I shoot for 7.5 with plenty of LPs, and some SPS.

Alk levels are usually dependent on available nutrients. Just pick a number and stick to it. Anywhere between 7 and 12.
 

Tentacled trailblazer in your tank: Have you ever kept a large starfish?

  • I currently have a starfish in my tank.

    Votes: 24 30.0%
  • Not currently, but I have kept a starfish in the past.

    Votes: 18 22.5%
  • I have never kept a starfish, but I hope to in the future.

    Votes: 21 26.3%
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    Votes: 17 21.3%
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