Alkalinity?

[MrDLHughesY]

Hi guys sorry if this is a stupid question or is in the wrong place but I just wondered why we tend to keep our alk between 8-12 dkh when natural sea water is between 7-8 dkh.

 

[35ppt]

I think it's safest to keep your alk around 8.7-9.2, if there is a swing you're still in the safe zone.

 

[ScottR]

Hi guys sorry if this is a stupid question or is in the wrong place but I just wondered why we tend to keep our alk between 8-12 dkh when natural sea water is between 7-8 dkh.

I’ve kept tanks at different levels. I’ve found around 8 is the easiest to keep for some reason. Too high alk and low nutrients is where I would be worried.

 

[tstar]

Very apt question as I've been questioning this as well lately, the difference between nature and what we as hobbyist maintain.

I've decided to maintain an 8. My main coral supplier maintains a 7 and I didn't want to stray too far from that but also wanted a "buffer" of safety as my tanks are nanos (13.5 and a 29)...

Tim

 

[Reefer40b]

I have always found a target of 7 the best, also helps when bringing in new corals to not shock them into higher Alk.

 

[MrDLHughesY]

I have always found a target of 7 the best, also helps when bringing in new corals to not shock them into higher Alk.

Yeah that’s my thinking also. I was just curious to whAt has made people swing away from the levels of natural sea water but there doesn’t seem to be a solid answer just more personal preference it seems

 

[lapin]

I thunk its the more is better effect. More alk, more nutrients = more growth.
Not sure if its really true but.....

 

[Reefer40b]

I thunk its the more is better effect. More alk, more nutrients = more growth.
Not sure if its really true but.....

It true usually as long as it stable, I just find with higher alk things colors diminish, I find at lower alk things still grow fast sometimes too fast and colors are far better.