Dosing Trace elements and ALK spike

[MexiReefer]

Hi all.

So I experienced an alk spike. My tank has been quite consistent in terms of alk, Ca and Mg. Constant automated dosing and weekly testing does the trick- Normal value is 7.1-7.5 and 440.

Las week my Ca rose to 500 and Alk to 9,9- Double checked.

The only change was that I have increased trace elements dosing (red sea reefer colors) to match the cal consumption of the tax, as recommended by the manufaturer.

I do not see a direct relationship between dosing Trace Elements and alk spike, but probably a crazy cycle or phYsiological reaction.

Let me know if youe need additional background

Thanks for any input.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I think they have to be unrelated, unless you dosed the wrong bottle.

 

[Reefahholic]

Hi all.

So I experienced an alk spike. My tank has been quite consistent in terms of alk, Ca and Mg. Constant automated dosing and weekly testing does the trick- Normal value is 7.1-7.5 and 440.

Las week my Ca rose to 500 and Alk to 9,9- Double checked.

The only change was that I have increased trace elements dosing (red sea reefer colors) to match the cal consumption of the tax, as recommended by the manufaturer.

I do not see a direct relationship between dosing Trace Elements and alk spike, but probably a crazy cycle or phYsiological reaction.

Let me know if youe need additional background

Thanks for any input.

Now would be a great time to send ICP to see where your parameters actually are. Would likely give you a good idea as to why the Alk spiked.

 

[MexiReefer]

I think they have to be unrelated, unless you dosed the wrong bottle.

Thanks Randy. Absolutely sure I did not mixed them up. Alk and Ca are connected to the doser and RS Colors sre the small plastic bottles.

 

[MexiReefer]

Now would be a great time to send ICP to see where your parameters actually are. Would likely give you a good idea as to why the Alk spiked.

Could be. I started/ increased the trace elements once I received ICP results a couple of week ago.

 

[Reefahholic]

Could be. I started/ increased the trace elements once I received ICP results a couple of week ago.

Which lab?

 

[gbru316]

I think they have to be unrelated, unless you dosed the wrong bottle.

If the additions slowed calcification temporarily - couldn't that explain it?

(don't ask me to explain the underlying science behind the hypothesis -- I'm no biologist)

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

If the additions slowed calcification temporarily - couldn't that explain it?

(don't ask me to explain the underlying science behind the hypothesis -- I'm no biologist)

There are some ways one might explain a true alk rise after dosing a trace element mix if they were seriously depleted, but I think coincidence is most likely .

A sudden drop in nitrate by 50 ppm would boost the alk. Faster growth to do that seems far fetched, but perhaps not impossible.

Reducing calcification for unknown reasons, along with continued alk dosing can do it. I don’t see trace elements dosed appropriately doing that, but pH changes due to more people than usual around, windows closed, etc, could do it.

 

[Reef Stallion]

Is there boric acid in any of them. I think Randy says that can affect alkalinity.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Hopefully the borate in them is very low since it is consumed very slowly (if at all).

 

[MexiReefer]

@Reefahholic ICP Analysis. I know they dont have the best reputation----

@Randy Holmes-Farley my NO4 is consistently low, below 1.00 PPM

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I expect it is coincidence. If it keeps happening, let us know.