BioPellets and Alkalinity in a sps ULNS

[Dreamkeeper]

Randy could you explain why running Biopellets in a sps ULNS seems to limit the Alkalinity to @ 8 dkh. I struggle to get it over 7 dkh.
Thank in advance

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

If nutrients are low, many SPS people wasn't lower alk to prevent burnt tips, but if you add enough supplement you should be able to get the alk higher if you want to.

What are you supplementing with?

FWIW, the higher the alk the higher the demand on the tank, so the more supplement you need every day.

 

[Dreamkeeper]

Im experiencing burnt tips on some SPS, ALK tested today was 6.44 with Hanna, CA 410, mg 1305

-Additives: I currently dose as needed B-ionic 2 part & Brightwell magnesion-p. 4 drops each of: Zeovit Sponge power, Amino Acid and Coral vitalizer 3 x week.
- 120G visio (48”x24”x25”)
-40G sump
- Total water volume@ 140 gallons
Im experiencing burnt tips on some SPS, ALK tested today was 6.44 with Hanna, CA 410, mg 1305

-Reactors: BRS reactor with 1 cup of GFO & BRS reactor with 1 cup Korallen-Zucht.de Activated carbon both changed monthly.
AquaMax reactor with 1 cup BRS Bio Pellets

-

 

[choff]

I have always heard that you want to run low alk with systems running bio pellets that the risk for RTN is increased at higher alks.

I don't know if this is board lore or a fact, but ive heard it more than a few times.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

I have always heard that you want to run low alk with systems running bio pellets that the risk for RTN is increased at higher alks.

I don't know if this is board lore or a fact, but ive heard it more than a few times.

It's not the pellets per se, but low nutrients that appears to be the issue. Other ways of attaining low nutrients can have the same issue.

Not all tanks using carbon dosing attain low nutrients (mine doesn't), but many do.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Im experiencing burnt tips on some SPS, ALK tested today was 6.44 with Hanna, CA 410, mg 1305

-Additives: I currently dose as needed B-ionic 2 part & Brightwell magnesion-p. 4 drops each of: Zeovit Sponge power, Amino Acid and Coral vitalizer 3 x week.-

How much B-ionic? What happens if you add 25% more b-ionic (each part) every day?

 

[Dreamkeeper]

10/28 Alk 6.8 dkh I dosed 33ml a&b.
10/29 Alk 5.6 dkh I dosed 33ml a&B.
10/30 Alk 5.8 dkh I dosed 33ml a&b
11/1 Alk 6.5 dkh I dosed 33ml a&b
11/2 Alk 6.6 dkh I dosed 33ml a&b
11/3 Alk 6.7 dkh I dosed 33ml a&b
11/4 Alk 6.8 dkh I dosed 33ml a&b

 

[Dreamkeeper]

I didnt want to raise the Alk too much too fast

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Well, ok, it's moving in the right direction now. When are you dosing in relation to measuring?

I can't see any current reason for burnt tips.

 

[Dreamkeeper]

I used reef chemistry calculator based on testing results for 10/28: Alk 6.88 goal of 8.5 (140 gal total volume) and split over 3 days I started with 33 ml per day and since it was slowly increasing I stayed with the 33 ml per day and will see if it will reach 8 dkh.

Per Triton Labs:
Phosphorous: 2.40 ug/l
Phosphate: .007 mg/l

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

OK, that phosphate is low enough that keeping to 8 dKH or less may be desirable.

The calculator didn't know how much your tank might be using on those days, only the amount for the immediate addition boost. So raising it a bit is fine, but if you want to wait for it to slowly rise, that's fine too, as long as it doesn't stall out.

 

[Dreamkeeper]

Thanks Randy!
Keep up the great job, your knowledge is greatly appreciated!

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

You're welcome and thanks!

Happy Reefing.