Angry Corals due to high Alkalinity?

[Jib]

My TMP is at 9.4. I suspect the issue to be either the water you are purchasing ( Have it tested) or Bad Batch ( serial numbers will be six digits, manufactured in Turkey) and may have an odd smell.
If you can confirm numbers are high, A small dose of white vinegar will immediately reduce alkalinity but will have effect on Ph in which high alk can act as a stimulant to increase pH in the tank and create further problems for your corals and even the fish.
There is also a close link between high alkalinity and a reduction in calcium. Calcium is needed for the successful growth of your corals as their skeletons are largely made up of it. Highest risk is alkalinity burn which happens because in relation with PAR in the tank, the photosynthesis process is increased while the corals can not fully match the growth demand.
Lastly, have a trusted LFS that does not use API test kits check your alk + Ph and see what readings they come up with and to compare with yours. Your test kits are not by chance expired, are they ?

I'll call the LFS tomorrow and ask if they had salt impacted from those bad batches of TMP. There weird thing is I tested the stuff I still have in a jug and its only coming back at 10.5. I bought 15 gallons at the same time so it takes me a while to go through it with 1 gallon weekly water changes. So I've been using "that batch" for about 10 weeks now.

I'll inquire what their testing options are like. My salifert kit is almost gone so I'm inclined to just get a new one quick and check it out...

My test kit doesn't expire until 2025.

 

[Jib]

Update: I tested all of the water from my 3, 5 gallon jugs (2 were all but empty and the 3rd full). All came in around 9.5-10.5 (assuming the variance is poor test consistency on my part) and were from the same batch at the LFS. Which leave me confused my tank is sitting at 13.7. I think the test kit is accurate...

I did deplete my test kit, so will get another tomorrow and re-verify.

 

[Pico bam]

This is a head scratcher for sure. You arnt adding anything to the tank? No buffers?

 

[Jib]

This is a head scratcher for sure. You arnt adding anything to the tank? No buffers?

The only things I have put in the past couple of months are:

• Microbacter 7
• Hydrogen Peroxide (was fighting cyno)
• NeoNitro
• NeoPhos
• Kick Ich & Rally Nano

 

[Jib]

For anyone who was following along, moved this over to the chemistry forum:

Alkalinity inexplicably up at 13, please help.

I had a thread going in one of the general forums but moving here for some updates since it turned into a chemistry discussion. https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/angry-corals-due-to-high-alkalinity.894798/ TLDR of that thread: My Alk was up at 13.7. This seems too high, and my corals are...

www.reef2reef.com

 

[Wakenbaker420]

I can have them test. Regarding the test kit, I just checked my salt water in the jug from them and it's reading 10.5. Which is in the range I have seen my tank at when testing in the past. I think....the test kit is ok. But I'm down to the bottom so will need a new one soon anyway.



Alk from one of my jugs in coming in at 10.5 using the same salifert test kit.

Checked the salinity of that same water it came in at 1.026

test kit doesn't expire until 08/2025



I appreciate all of the troubleshooting help. Using freashwater, RODI that is also supplied by my LFS.



I agree with you cant be sure. They are using RODI, and have a TDS meter they are happy to show you the TDS of thier water. It has been zero when I've asked to see during fill ups. I dont know if they are adding supplements. I will ask next time im in.



I am using this refractometer, but using Brightwells calibration solution.

Refractometer for Reading Salinity with Calibration Fluid

Take Control of Your Aquarium's Salinity Level Accurate Readings: Measures salinity from 1.000 to 1.070 specific gravity. Automatic Temperature Compensation (ATC): Provides reliable readings under varying temperatures. Easy Calibration: Maintain accuracy with a quick calibration process...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

Just had the worst experience using a refractometer! Calibration fluid was bad. Double check with hydrometer or Hanna tester

 

[vetteguy53081]

The only things I have put in the past couple of months are:

• Microbacter 7
• Hydrogen Peroxide (was fighting cyno)
• NeoNitro
• NeoPhos
• Kick Ich & Rally Nano

Although Kick-ich deemed reef safe, It would be my suspect
Any reason youre dosing nitrate and phos ?

Other causes:
Low CA
High Alk
False readings
Temp too warm
Pests
Change in lighting and/or flow

 

[vetteguy53081]

The only things I have put in the past couple of months are:

• Microbacter 7
• Hydrogen Peroxide (was fighting cyno)
• NeoNitro
• NeoPhos
• Kick Ich & Rally Nano

Although Kick-ich deemed reef safe, It would be my suspect
Any reason youre dosing nitrate and phos ?

Other causes:
Low CA
High Alk
False readings
Temp too warm
Pests
Change in lighting and/or flow

 

[wazupjames]

Definitely need to figure out the ALK issue.

Getting your own RODI unit is highly recommended so that you have full control. But you could grab RODI water from the LFS instead of premixed salt and then you can mix it yourself.

Mixing your own salt helps with the ALK swings as you have more control. Big ALK swings are really hard on coral. And just from my own personal experience, many LFS are going through so much water that they don't take the time to ensure consistency in mixing.