Low alkalinity in new tank, how to proceed?

[Domizi]

Hi!
I have a 30 gal tank that has been cycled since 2 months, currently going through the ugly stage with diatoms. Since I started the tank I've had low alkalinity of 5.1-5.0, whereas the salt I use (AF reef salt) is supposed to land at around 7.6. I've attributed this to the cycle, which I've read can cause consumption. Last reading came out at 4.5.

Even though I don't have any corals yet (only clownfish and snails), should I dose to get to decent levels? And if so, should I only dose kH buffer, or something else like all for reef? Or should I even switch salt to something like AF reef+ to get a naturally higher alk? Other parameters are pH 8.2, Ca 400, Mg 1215, nitrate 6.5, phosphate 0.01. Goal is to eventually get a few easy LPS (and some softies), and to (if possible) avoid dosing.
All help is appreciated!

 

[andrewey]

There's a few answers, but the easiest is to do nothing. If you want, start adding whatever softies you want now. As you know, your parameters are likely to swing wildly while your tank settles out. I wouldn't chase any numbers at the moment. Once you start getting ready to add lps, you'll have the benefit of time to know where your parameters truly are once your tank reaches equilibrium. I certainly wouldn't change any additives or salt right now or you'll be chasing your tail.

 

[Domizi]

There's a few answers, but the easiest is to do nothing. If you want, start adding whatever softies you want now. As you know, your parameters are likely to swing wildly while your tank settles out. I wouldn't chase any numbers at the moment. Once you start getting ready to add lps, you'll have the benefit of time to know where your parameters truly are once your tank reaches equilibrium. I certainly wouldn't change any additives or salt right now or you'll be chasing your tail.

Thank you so much for this answer. This feels like the correct take, but when a bit of anxiety kicks in it is easy to just do things that seem to quickly fix something, even if they are detrimental in the long run. My gut feeling said to continue as you said, but I had some doubts to whether I should do more. I'm definitely learning patience with this hobby! Thank you again.

 

[Johnd651]

Agree with Andrewey, but since you mentioned all for reef, it will raise your other parameters as well, so if you like where you're Ca and Mg are, you would not want to use AFR.

 

[CHSUB]

Alk is not just a single thing, it’s a group of things that buffer water and prevents pH swings, among other things. It’s simply to raise and I would. Many options to raise, including baking soda.

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

What test kits are you using?

 

[Domizi]

What test kits are you using?

Hanna checkers for Phos, nitrate and alk, salifert for pH, ca and mg.

 

[exnisstech]

Just throwing this out but have you verified that a new batch mixes to the alk it is supposed to? I can't comment on the cycle affecting alk because I never really test anything but nitrate when cycling.

 

[Domizi]

Just throwing this out but have you verified that a new batch mixes to the alk it is supposed to? I can't comment on the cycle affecting alk because I never really test anything but nitrate when cycling.

Good point, but I actually have at one point, where it mixed a bit lower (7.1) than advertised. Can the oxygenation level of the RODI water factor in on the measurement? I usually have the RODI bin standing in the garage, get a bucket the night before to get it to the right temp, and then mix for 15-30 minutes with the salt.

 

[exnisstech]

Good point, but I actually have at one point, where it mixed a bit lower (7.1) than advertised. Can the oxygenation level of the RODI water factor in on the measurement? I usually have the RODI bin standing in the garage, get a bucket the night before to get it to the right temp, and then mix for 15-30 minutes with the salt.

I really don't know about oxygen level and effect but I doubt it. I use fresh rodi as well as rodi that has been sitting but I really don't test new mix often so have never compared.

 

[ReefTankENG]

That drop in Alk is commen for cycling tanks. I would add the alk side of 2 part to get it back in line before adding any corals. It should be pretty easy to bring that back up. I don’t see any reason to add corals with sub-par parameters, especially if it is an easy fix like this. But like other people said, things will change. I just think it is best to start in a good place.

 

[Pro-Reef Co.]

Raise Alkalinity ONLY = Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate)
Raise Alkalinity + pH = Soda Ash (Sodium Carbonate, made by baking baking soda)

This has always been my go to - Spread your calculated dose out for about 4-5 days evenly, test daily.

Calculator I use: https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/reef-calculator/alkalinity-calculator-reef

Happy Reefing! :)