I got my dKH where I want it...

[Fishwife]

Hi, I'm new to reefkeeping, and I've been doing a lot of research. My dKH was low, 5.4, and using Randy's recipe #1, I've gradually been getting it up. Finally hit 9.5, overshot my target of 8, but that's ok. I'm using a Red Sea test kit.

I have a Pico reef, 5 gallon tank, my Ca is at 470, Mg 1520, Nitrite 0, Nitrate 1, Ph 8.0, Phos 0.
I have 2 anemones, 1 acan frag and a Gonoipora, which is much happier now with the higher dKH. And I'm starting to see some Coraline algae!

When I do a water change, do I need to match the dKH as well as temp and salinity when I change the water? I bought some Kalkwasser but realized that wasn't going to raise my dKH, just maintain it. I have yet to use it. I do have an ATO on the tank. No sump or skimmer.

Thanks for any advice.

 

[Kajung2k]

Yes. You should match the temp, salinity, alk and calcium if you can.

 

[laverda]

Kalkwasser Is very capable of raising your ALK. It will also raise your Calcium and in most cases the PH of your tank.
Generally you want your water change to match your tank parameters, assuming they are in a range you want them to be in.

 

[Heart of Dixie]

Kalkwasser is very capable of maintaining ca / alk for your tank. I use 2 tsp per gallon in an ATO for a 150 gallon tank. For your size tank I would research a bit for you probably won’t need but ⅛ or ¼ tsp per gallon. Also, I purchase Mrs Wages pickling lime which is calcium hydroxide (Kalkwasser) for about $5.00 per pound at a grocery store.