Alkalinity and calcium consumption with Soft coral-simple

[cubbyman60]

Hey all,
Simple question...I think. I've searched, but can't find an answer unless I'm missing it. Why will a, lets say, well stocked softie tank consume appreciable amounts of alkalinity and calcium if there are no calciferous skeletons? I know they have to build their tissue somehow. Is it calciferous? That's all. Couldn't figure it out by myself. Thank you.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Some people with soft coral tanks have 2 dKH per day of alk consumption (and proportional calcium) due to coralline algae and other organisms taking it up.

Some soft corals themselves have no demand, but some have spicules in them made of calcium carbonate.