Dangers of "high" alk?

[razorskiss]

I guess most reefers are concerned with keeping alk up due to consumption by coral growth, but I realized that tropic marin sells both a "classic" and a "reef" version of their salt. I used the classic in my tank and it seems the main difference is higher alk / cal? At 34.4 ppt salinity my tank shows 10 dkh and 450 ppm calcium (by salifert testing). It makes sense to me why low levels can be an issue but what about high (but not toxic high) levels? What are the disadvantages of these levels, particularly in a young nano tank? I have enough classic salt left for easily 12-18 months of water changes. Are the disadvantages worth trying to sell or give away the leftover classic salt and switch over to reef salt through routine water changes?

 

[razorskiss]

I guess most reefers are concerned with keeping alk up due to consumption by coral growth, but I realized that tropic marin sells both a "classic" and a "reef" version of their salt. I used the classic in my tank and it seems the main difference is higher alk / cal? At 34.4 ppt salinity my tank shows 10 dkh and 450 ppm calcium (by salifert testing). It makes sense to me why low levels can be an issue but what about high (but not toxic high) levels? What are the disadvantages of these levels, particularly in a young nano tank? I have enough classic salt left for easily 12-18 months of water changes. Are the disadvantages worth trying to sell or give away the leftover classic salt and switch over to reef salt through routine water changes?

Also Mg reads at 1320

 

[vetteguy53081]

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. It will increase PH and dissolve the protective layer of mucus which protects coral from bacterial and fungal infection

 

[razorskiss]

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. It will increase PH and dissolve the protective layer of mucus which protects coral from bacterial and fungal infection

alright! I understand the mechanism, so what about numbers. 10/450 is still straight out of a commercial product so I'm sure it's not immediately dangerous, but is it close enough that it's worth switching to a less rich salt mix immediately? Or will it be ok for a while, especially during the tanks first year? $50 of salt isn't too huge in the grand scheme of things but waste not want not...

 

[vetteguy53081]

alright! I understand the mechanism, so what about numbers. 10/450 is still straight out of a commercial product so I'm sure it's not immediately dangerous, but is it close enough that it's worth switching to a less rich salt mix immediately? Or will it be ok for a while, especially during the tanks first year? $50 of salt isn't too huge in the grand scheme of things but waste not want not...

Im ok with 10 and 450 on Ca

 

[razorskiss]

Thanks!

 

[Dburr1014]

There is also the link with nutrients.
High alk, low nutrients, you could run into trouble. Corals growing fast and nothing to eat.

 

[razorskiss]

There is also the link with nutrients.
High alk, low nutrients, you could run into trouble. Corals growing fast and nothing to eat.

The tank has a super low bioload, no fish, so I test NO3 and PO4 almost daily so I can dose to maintain reasonable levels