Interesting Alkalinity graph during blackout...

[revhtree Verified Admin]

You might have read where I was blacking out my tank for a few days to combat some persistent green algae. You also might know that I am currently helping test the Neptune Trident. Looking at my Alkalinity log today from my Apex and the Trident I was able to see that since I started the blackout on Wednesday that my alkalinity consumption has gone down I assume because the corals are without light and are not needing it as much. I haven't adjusted my alk at all.

Just thought you might find it interesting!

@Terence

 

[Crabs McJones]

Very interesting and makes sense, no photosynthesis, no energy to create new skeleton, lower alk and calc consumption.

 

[Daniel D Dawson]

Yes this is pretty interesting. It does make sense though. Your corals would likely be consuming less alk with no lights.

 

[revhtree Verified Admin]

Bump!

 

[Retro Reefer]

it’s what I assume would happen but it’s nice to see it visually for confirmation.. thanks for sharing

 

[Mal11224]

I agree with comments above. Definitely makes sense. At least it wasn’t huge dip. Your PH was likely affected as well. Glad the blackout helped some.

 

[saltyhog]

Man that picture brings back bad memories. That's exactly what my alkalinity did right as my dino problem began. Glad in your case it's for a known and benign reason. I think that is one way to assess the effect of changes on our tank. If your corals don't like it the alkalinity demand may decrease.

 

[Fish_Sticks]

Puts into perspective how serious lights out can be. Im sure the alk isnt the only thing changing.

 

[Dan_P]

You might have read where I was blacking out my tank for a few days to combat some persistent green algae. You also might know that I am currently helping test the Neptune Trident. Looking at my Alkalinity log today from my Apex and the Trident I was able to see that since I started the blackout on Wednesday that my alkalinity consumption has gone down I assume because the corals are without light and are not needing it as much. I haven't adjusted my alk at all.

Just thought you might find it interesting!

@Terence

If you aren’t adjusting the alkalinity, i.e., dosing, why would it increase? Granted, it is only 0.5 DKH or about 1/6 meq/L. The only mechanism that comes to mind is nitrate reduction. Is the nitrate level declining? Test method drifting?

 

[Guttersnipe]

Very interesting. I recently replaced my 4 bulb Ati power module with an 8 bulb powermodule and my alk and calcium uptake skyrocketed.

 

[BZOFIQ]

Very interesting. I recently replaced my 4 bulb Ati power module with an 8 bulb powermodule and my alk and calcium uptake skyrocketed.

Makes sense ...and great upgrade BTW

 

[PhreeByrd]

Interesting. But it doesn't quite make sense to me. I would have expected to see it more or less level, but not rising.
@revhtree, when you say you haven't adjusted your alkalinity, does that mean no autodosing, Ca reactor, kalkwasser, etc. at all?
How do you explain the rise?

 

[NJ Reefer]

Wish I had read this before doing a black out to combat dinos. I had an 4 dKH spike over 3 days and unfortunately lost some prize SPS frags. Live and learn.

 

[DivingTheWorld]

That’s to be expected. The only way to see this type of Alk change is by testing multiple times a day. I was surprised when I started testing 4x/day with my Alkatronic how much the fluctuation really is.

I’ve since split my dosing schedule into two (lights off / lights on). I dose Cal/Alk about double during the day as I do at night which keeps it more level throughout day and night.