effects of higher Alk on LPS corals

PedroYoung · Aug 4, 2015

I've seen several posts regarding the effects of higher Alk (9+) on SPS corals with low nutrient systems being detrimental. Anyone with experience with Alk effects on LPS when phosphates and nitrates are 0? I've had issues with Blastos (receding and dying) and chalices (poor color) in my tank with Alk in the 9.6-10 range. I've been trying to bring up the nutrient levels thinking they needed "dirty" water, but on the LPS forum I also had some suggestions that the Alk might be causing it in parallel with the low nutrients. I'm dosing 2 part with Ca around 470, Alk 9.6, pH 8.3. I'm starting today bringing the Alk down slowly by throttling back the DOS and targeting 8-8.5, but just wondered if anyone else had experience with this? My other LPS corals seem to be doing well (Acans of all types, Euphyllia, Favia etc).

Randy Holmes-Farley · Aug 4, 2015

I've not heard of such issues with LPS,. I think it more likely to be a low nutrient or general nutrition issue than a high alk issue, but I do not know for sure.