Confusion over high alkalinity

[tom g]

Hey there I have my tank running approx 6 months.. tank is running smooth...have had my ups and downs .
I'm noticing my alk is raising ... it's pretty high from what I see everyone else is runn ing at .
I'm using instant ocean se salt .

Calcium 425 to 500
Salinity 1.025
Phos .25
Nitrates 26.9 was 70
Mag 1390 to 1430
Ph 8.4
Alk 11.5 to 13.1

Alk seems to be rising and I'm not sure if it's from carbon dosing vinegar to deal with my high nitrates which were at 70
I'm dosing 350 ml of Vin a day (I think its a lot but it has lowered my nitrates )
I dont understand why my alk is raising should it not be going down..
Coral growth is ok but not great ...
I'm running orphek and kessels
Water change 25 gallons once per month...

Any help would be appreciated .. thanks

 

[blaxsun]

350ml of vinegar daily...? Yikes!

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Lowering nitrate raises alk, and your alk may reflect the alk in your new salt water since many brands are in tfe range you have now.

 

[tom g]

Lowering nitrate raises alk, and your alk may reflect the alk in your new salt water since many brands are in tfe range you have now.

Well thats re assuring .. so I'm not necc doing anything wrong..
Can I ask a question to u randy about carbon dosing ...

Is 350 ml Vin dosing too much ...
Ultimate goal is to get nitrates lower .how do u judge when to stop dosing vin or is this something I will always have to do ....