Alk slide

Syntax1235 · Aug 24, 2016

I checked my alk on 8/16 and it was at 7.3 via Red Sea. I just checked it tonight and it was 6.3.... I added 10ml of BRS soda ash mix and brought it to 6.5. I upped my alk dosing by 10 ml a day.... Everything looks good, it's an acro dominated tank. I think I caught it in time. Thoughts?

cromag27 · Aug 24, 2016

Without knowing the history of your tank, it's hard to guess as to why the alk is fluctuating. but I do know those red sea alk tests can be hard to read.

The difference could be from either adding more corals or growing corals - both will increase alk consumption.

SeaDweller · Aug 25, 2016

How big is ur system? 10 ml makes me think if that's all URE using to supplement then you must have a small tank or change water very frequently.

Probably corals consuming your alk

Syntax1235 · Aug 25, 2016

I've got a 125 gallon tank with 40b sump... probably about 120 gallons of water. My tank is two years old and and had many colonies in the spring, I sold them off and restocked the tank with frags, which are now encrusting and taking off.

My doser was set for 52ml of BRS Soda Ash solution, dosing throughout the day and that has been keeping my alk stable for the past several months at 7.3.... the 10ml adjustment increased my tanks alk by .3... 6.3 seems really low to me and I wanted to make a correction; however, I know how finicky these sticks can be.

My concern is if the slide is going to cause any issues with the acros.

I meant to post this in the sps forum...

Syntax1235 · Aug 25, 2016

Just checked my alk this morning and it was back down to 6.3... I dosed another 10ml of alk to bring it to 6.6 and raised my daily dosage to 70ml. I'll have to check it a couple times a day to dial it back in.

My doser doses 144 times a day, now up to .49ml every ten minutes.