What do we consider high Alk? SPS keep having tips die.

[dnledman]

Hi everyone, I am dosing brs 2 part in a 210 gallon system.

Current readings

Ca 480
Alk 11.8 dkh
Nitrate ~40
Phos .6
Ph is stable at 8.0

I am running an off cycle refugium, lights are 1 radion xr30 and two illumagic x4

For some reason I keep getting burnt tips on my SPS, the are starting to die back now. My torch corals are fine, the only thing I can think of is that my Alk is a little high but my nutrients are correspondingly high or at least I think so?

Hence why I came to this forum for some help please.

 

[Staghorn]

I always found it easier to maintain all around 8.5-9 for my sps tanks and still had fast growth. At that high a level you need to make sure you have no fluctuations. I know everyone has different thoughts on this but I think the nitrates would be better around 10-15 and I would try to get your ph up as well.

 

[bradreef]

You definitely can let alk and cal drop a bit . Running high alk has been done successfully for years but it's harder to do. Ide drop alk to 9 or so and let can get close to 400-420

 

[rtparty]

Drop the alkalinity and see if it helps. I’ve always found good growth and success around 8dkh. Even 7.5dkh has been great for me