Another alk question

currentking · Jan 14, 2015

Ok I'm really trying to understand all of this but sometimes I'm baffled.
I tested my water yesterday for alk and it was at 9. The calculator says to add 34ml 2 part to keep it stable. I then added 25ml (added less to make sure it wasn't too much). 2 hours later I tested the water and alk was at 9.8.
I just got home from work and tested again and it is at 9.8 still. Am I missing something here? Ph is at 8.13. I didn't test calcium tonight but yesterday before I dosed 2 part it was at 430.

KoleTang · Jan 14, 2015

Are you trying to stay at 9?

There is no calculator that can tell you have much your tank consumes. Watch how much it drops over a week's time. Divide by 7 and that is the daily dose. The dose will change as corals intake changes so test at least weekly. (Many test daily)

currentking · Jan 14, 2015

KoleTang said:
Are you trying to stay at 9?

There is no calculator that can tell you have much your tank consumes. Watch how much it drops over a week's time. Divide by 7 and that is the daily dose. The dose will change as corals intake changes so test at least weekly. (Many test daily)

Ok so don't dose for a week? Will that affect the SPS in the tank? And I think 9 is a good number. It is a mixed reef. I'm new to sps.

KoleTang · Jan 14, 2015

currentking said:
Ok so don't dose for a week? Will that affect the SPS in the tank? And I think 9 is a good number. It is a mixed reef. I'm new to sps.

It should be fine to allow it to drop over a week, especially if you haven't been dosing regularly in the first place.

Keep the alk where your corals like it rather than chasing numbers (just keep it 7-11 dkh). If you think 9 is where your tank dose best then figure out how much your tank consumes per day and start the dosing regimen. If alk begins to drop or raise, adjust the daily dose. Once you find your number stability is key.