By now I think that most serious hobbyists recognize that pH is the largest factor of Alk consumption besides the types of corals in your tank. A pH of 8.3 will have much more carbonate available for skeletal growth as well as it being easier for corals to expel waste from their bodies. Does anyone have experience trying to peg pH for long term Alk stability? I'm not trying to create a science experiment or drive excessive growth. I'm only looking for overall health and stability.
I'm currently planning a 250G mixed tank, LPS dominant, that will have to be fairly hands off. It will be fully automated with a filter roller, AWCs, etc. I have twins on the way and will not have time to commit to manual labor, so it looks like I'll be spending money instead. I have a high level of CO2 in the home from visitors and pets. This means that, depending on the number of people in and out of my house, my pH levels will often fluctuate. This does not include the fact that the windows of my home are open at random times because we fully experience all four seasons in Indiana. With fluctuations in pH come fluctuations in Alk. I can't be hands off of a large system with Alk fluctuations.
Here is my thought process: If I am able to peg pH at any specific number, without major fluctuations, I could stabilize my Alk long term without intervention. Long term, in my eyes, is testing major parameters by hand once every week or two. I have little experience with Kalkwasser as it was too potent for my current 75G softie tank. I was thinking I could primarily dose Kalkwasser with a CO2 scrubber hooked to the skimmer and controlled by a ball valve and pH controller.
I'm currently planning a 250G mixed tank, LPS dominant, that will have to be fairly hands off. It will be fully automated with a filter roller, AWCs, etc. I have twins on the way and will not have time to commit to manual labor, so it looks like I'll be spending money instead. I have a high level of CO2 in the home from visitors and pets. This means that, depending on the number of people in and out of my house, my pH levels will often fluctuate. This does not include the fact that the windows of my home are open at random times because we fully experience all four seasons in Indiana. With fluctuations in pH come fluctuations in Alk. I can't be hands off of a large system with Alk fluctuations.
Here is my thought process: If I am able to peg pH at any specific number, without major fluctuations, I could stabilize my Alk long term without intervention. Long term, in my eyes, is testing major parameters by hand once every week or two. I have little experience with Kalkwasser as it was too potent for my current 75G softie tank. I was thinking I could primarily dose Kalkwasser with a CO2 scrubber hooked to the skimmer and controlled by a ball valve and pH controller.