Alkalinity

[Mindi]

If my objective is to maintain stable alkalinity am I likely to find it easier at the upper or lower end of the acceptable range...assuming that to be roughly 2.7 to 4.0 meq/l. I have persistently lower than average pH at around 7.8-7.9 at around 3.3 meq/l. I am currently slowly raising Alk to around 3.8 to raise pH a little but as I do this will I find Alk more or less stable.??

 

[jsker]

What ever your desired level is, it is simple to maintain the level if you set up dosing of alk.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I don't know if either end is easier to make stable, but the amounts needed each day are higher at higher alkalinity.

 

[madweazl]

I read lots of posts regarding 10-20% water changes affecting alkalinity levels "too much" with certain salts but I just haven't seen it. I have a 75g tank with a total water volume right around 73g with the sump; 10g water changes (roughly 15%) don't affect alkalinity to a degree that has any noticeable effects with Reef Crystals which mixes fairly high (think the largest delta I've noticed is .3 dKH). I maintain roughly 8 dKH and haven't had any issues.

 

[Mindi]

Thanks all.