Potential emergency - alkalinity

[cohojoe412]

well instead of a build thread I get to do a panic as my first post…

I’m new to the hobby and recently discovered my Alk was low at ~7.0 dkh so went to LFS and they recommended seachem buffer. So went home and did some terrible math reading units incorrectly.

I have now spiked the alk to 11.4 then realized my mistake. I did one water change to get down to 10.4, currently mixing more water as of course my storage was low. I’m hoping next change gets me to 9.4 then one more to 8.4.

Is this going to impact my fish and the few corals I have? Is there anything else I can do to low the alk to reduce the spike duration? Am I over worrying?

 

[Carter o51]

Most people shoot for 7.5-9 as a general number. Everyone will tell you stability is more important than an actually number value assuming it’s in range. What are your calcium and mag at?

 

[rtparty]

Just leave it alone and let it come down naturally

 

[cohojoe412]

I don’t have kits for those yet, I forgot them when I picked up others. They’re on the list for tomorrow.
Ph is 8.4

 

[cohojoe412]

Most people shoot for 7.5-9 as a general number. Everyone will tell you stability is more important than an actually number value assuming it’s in range. What are your calcium and mag at?

I don’t have kits for those yet, I forgot them when I picked up others. They’re on the list for tomorrow.
Ph is 8.4

Quote Reply

 

[besskurz]

Just leave it alone and let it come down naturally

Agreed.

If you don't have too much stuff, just let it sit. Don't even worry with WC's.
You will find some literature and videos of people having KH of even 12.
Yours if fine.

 

[gbroadbridge]

well instead of a build thread I get to do a panic as my first post…

I’m new to the hobby and recently discovered my Alk was low at ~7.0 dkh so went to LFS and they recommended seachem buffer. So went home and did some terrible math reading units incorrectly.

I have now spiked the alk to 11.4 then realized my mistake. I did one water change to get down to 10.4, currently mixing more water as of course my storage was low. I’m hoping next change gets me to 9.4 then one more to 8.4.

Is this going to impact my fish and the few corals I have? Is there anything else I can do to low the alk to reduce the spike duration? Am I over worrying?

First, Alk of around 7 is not low, it is close to normal seawater which coral grow in.

Unless you have seen a lot of precipitation and cloudiness, just leave it be and it will drop back on it's own.