Alk leveling...

[Fob_Reefer]

My initial Alk level was at 5.9dKH, so i add in a calc reactor and the level jumped to 9.1dKH, of course that killed all my sps frags and severely effect my lps also. So I have been stabilizing my alk to 8.0-8.1dKH. Should I raise it to higher value like 9.0 - 12.0dKH for sps to grow better/faster?

 

[madweazl]

That's up to you but I think they're less forgiving the higher the alkalinity goes. Your current range is totally acceptable (I prefer around 7.0 but I don't want them growing like weeds).

 

[Fob_Reefer]

That's up to you but I think they're less forgiving the higher the alkalinity goes. Your current range is totally acceptable (I prefer around 7.0 but I don't want them growing like weeds).

Can't even keep them alive yet, not let alone growing like weeds...:(

 

[BeejReef]

My concern would be your initial alk reading of < 6. Is that what your salt is mixing to?

 

[smilinteddy]

I'm by no means an expert, but from what I understand from what i have read is that stability is just as important as what level you are at. The level you choose to be at will be determined by what you want to do, but taking your time to get there and staying there is ultimately what is going to give you success with your corals.

The bigger the change you are trying to effect, the more patient you will need to be getting there, otherwise you'll freak out everything in your tank with big parameter swings.

 

[Fob_Reefer]

My concern would be your initial alk reading of < 6. Is that what your salt is mixing to?

I use aquaforrest salt, not sure if that is the level it came out to be... I'll be trying to go back to RC once all the salt are gone. My zoa grows crazy under RC...

 

[Fob_Reefer]

I'm by no means an expert, but from what I understand from what i have read is that stability is just as important as what level you are at. The level you choose to be at will be determined by what you want to do, but taking your time to get there and staying there is ultimately what is going to give you success with your corals.

The bigger the change you are trying to effect, the more patient you will need to be getting there, otherwise you'll freak out everything in your tank with big parameter swings.

Yeah, I have been trying to keep it stable at 8.0-8.1, but those small droplets from the calc reactor are tought to keep it stable...Or maybe i'll just go back dosing kalk...

 

[BeejReef]

Yeah, I have been trying to keep it stable at 8.0-8.1, but those small droplets from the calc reactor are tought to keep it stable...Or maybe i'll just go back dosing kalk...

lol. that's funny. As soon as summertime hit, I'm struggling maintaining my alkalinity with kalk bc of less evap. Was thinking maybe CalRx :confused:

 

[Marklugo23]

higher nutrients/higher light/higher alk levels (suitable for more growth)

lower nutrients/lower light/lower alk levels

 

[ckalupa]

Reef crystals mixes to higher alk than what you are targeting.