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

Well-Known Member
View Badges
Joined
Feb 25, 2016
Messages
580
Reaction score
379
Location
MA
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
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

10K Club member
View Badges
Joined
Apr 12, 2019
Messages
12,325
Reaction score
9,933
Location
Here
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
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.
View Badges
Joined
Apr 24, 2018
Messages
11,818
Reaction score
18,859
Location
Way upstate NY
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
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.
 

Ingenuity against algae: Do you use DIY methods for controlling nuisance algae?

  • I have used DIY methods for controlling algae.

    Votes: 43 47.3%
  • I use commercial methods for controlling algae, but never DIY methods.

    Votes: 20 22.0%
  • I have not used commercial or DIY methods for controlling algae.

    Votes: 22 24.2%
  • Other.

    Votes: 6 6.6%
Back
Top