ALK increase?

[FL_Reefer]

So I've added a bunch of sps latley and my ALK has slipped a lot more than what I usually consume. How much can you increase you ALK a day with no ill effects? Thanks in advance!

 

[FL_Reefer]

I also added a gfo reactor about a week ago if that makes a difference

 

[sevens_up77]

From what I understand the absolute max in 24 hrs is 1.4 dkh

 

[dbl]

Not trying to answer for Randy, but my understanding is as above...1.4 dKh per day.

 

[FL_Reefer]

I posted it here for all to chime in and the for Randy as well. Thank you guys for chiming in. I went alittle crazy buying these past couple of weeks so now I'm trying to play catch up.

 

[rock_lobster]

The goal here shouldnt be how rapidly I can raise it. ALK is just a number and SPS can survive at surprisingly low levels. What kills them is changes. Very gradually increase the slower the increase the better.

 

[rock_lobster]

The goal here shouldnt be how rapidly I can raise it. ALK is just a number and SPS can survive at surprisingly low levels. What kills them is changes. Very gradually increase the slower the increase the better.

 

[FL_Reefer]

Ya that's where I'm at now. I'm just gonna bump it up a couple of 10ths of DKH per day. Thank you.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

How low is it currently?

 

[FL_Reefer]

When tested last night it was 6.5 dkh with my Hanna. I dosed last night to bring up to 6.9 dkh. I usually run at around 8dkh

 

[GrandLotus]

Just keep doing that dosing and you will be at 8-9 dkh soon enough!

Is you calcium dialed in?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

FWIW, 6.5 dKH is not that low, so I would not panic. Taking your time to bring it up is certainly fine.

 

[FL_Reefer]

Just keep doing that dosing and you will be at 8-9 dkh soon enough!

Is you calcium dialed in?

Yes cal was 415 and I'm usually at 420ish

FWIW, 6.5 dKH is not that low, so I would not panic. Taking your time to bring it up is certainly fine.

Thanks Randy, I appreciate it. It just caught me off guard Ya know. Thanks again

 

[Robthorn]

Hanna has an alk recall that for some showed low readings. Check yours against another kit before making too drastic of a change.

 

[FL_Reefer]

Yes I was aware of that and thank you. I checked with 2 different bottles of reagents that I have 3 different times, lol

 

[GrandLotus]

Care to post a FTS?

 

[FL_Reefer]

This one is kind of recent

 

[rock_lobster]

WOW love that scolly. Ya your ALK is fine. I have a second tank at my parents and it dropped to ALK 4.8 dkh after they hadnt dosed the top off for months. Everything looked fine acros were huge. Only some shrooms and a toadstool were a little closed up. 6.5 needs to go up eventually to hit the ideal range but it certainly isnt critical. I'd say below 5 is the critical range.

 

[GrandLotus]

Agreed.
Once your alk is 8-9 you will have better growth on SPS and LPS, but your calcium will also drop faster with your alk at the correct levels so do not forget about that. Also a quarterly mag test is a good idea.

The scolly is one of my favorites...been wanting one for a long time now!

 

[FL_Reefer]

Thanks! Ya everything is looking good I just didn't want a huge ALK swing