Alkalinity advice

[frags]

I am running my alk at 8.0 but when I do a water change with Reef Crystals I get a jump to 9.2 in Alk. So would you guys say a 1.2 swing is no big deal or would you change salt that had a lower Alk from the start?

I have a SPS only tank.

 

[PaulKreider]

That's a pretty big swing, how much water are you changing at a time? And tank size? Calcium levels play a roll in alk also. I use reef crystals also but I don't have any problem.

 

[frags]

That's a pretty big swing, how much water are you changing at a time? And tank size? Calcium levels play a roll in alk also. I use reef crystals also but I don't have any problem.

I change 15- 20% every 2 weeks my total water volume is around 100 gallons. My Calcium is over 500 all the time.

 

[PaulKreider]

I have pretty high calc levels and that might be due to the reef crystals, but also could be the API test kit.. What kits are you using to test?

 

[frags]

Thanks for the info... I had a few more questions do you skim wet or dry and do you feed your corals besides what they get from fish poo? Also why did u add carbon if you never used it in thr past?

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Red Sea

 

[PaulKreider]

I skim medium wet dry, its just what works for me, have really messed with the settings in ages. I feed chalices and acans, but I broadcast feed Cyclops or baby brine every now and then, feed the lps about once a week. I ran carbon for a while than found out it was causing health problems with my tangs, might have been the fact that it was low quality carbon, but since I stopped running carbon my tang has been perfectly healthy for over a year. A lot of my filtration is based on the berlin method, pushing lots of flow against the rocks, since I don't have a sump for equipment like a media/carbon reactor ect.

That's just what works for me though, everyones tanks are different!

 

[Reefing Madness]

If you leave the system alone, the alk will lower itself with no issues.
But if you want it closer to 8 when adding, then use muriatic acid to lower the alk in the mixing station. Thats how I do it to get the levels the same.

 

[frags]

If you leave the system alone, the alk will lower itself with no issues.
But if you want it closer to 8 when adding, then use muriatic acid to lower the alk in the mixing station. Thats how I do it to get the levels the same.

I understand leaving it will let it drop I'm wondering if the swing is to much?

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[NanaReefer]

How do your corals look?

 

[frags]

I did not notice a change in the corals. I just know we all talk about stable parameters. I wonder how muck sea water alkalinty fluctuates.

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[Reefing Madness]

One point jump is safe. If it starts jumping more than that, I'd worry.

 

[LowezAkar24]

I am running my alk at 8.0 but when I do a water change with Reef Crystals I get a jump to 9.2 in Alk. So would you guys say a 1.2 swing is no big deal or would you change salt that had a lower Alk from the start?

I have a SPS only tank.

Don't change salt brother if everything continues to thrive. Judging from what you wrote, everything else is fine other than the numbers or you would've mentioned it. No matter what salt you switch to, the success of your tank is really based on the guy or girl in the mirror. On the other hand though, 9.2 dKH is not bad at all. You can gradually raise your tank to 9.2 dKH and then when you add your fresh batch, you won't be swinging. Not the word of God but simply my two cents.

 

[frags]

The new water I bet is real high not at 9.2 so when I added it to my 8.0 water I jumped to the 9.2. If I raised my tank water the next water change will raise it even more. Not sure if I like muriatic acid idea.

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[PaulKreider]

Make another batch of new water and test it. That will take all question out of play.

 

[LowezAkar24]

Make another batch of new water and test it. That will take all question out of play.

I was just about to say the same thing. Bro, you said you have an SPS Dominated tank. It is important to know your parameters of everything.

 

[frags]

Sorry I should have said it is high in a new batch.new water reef crystals mixes sround 12 dkh.

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[cginter]

When i mix up my new batch of saltwater with reef crystals cal is at 460-480 and alk is at 9-9.5 But as far as your ? about the 1.2 swing. its fine.