Kalkwasser and Montipora Digitata

Schgred · Mar 10, 2015

I have kept monti Digis healthy for as long as I have had a reef tank. I've been adding a lot of sps lately, especially acros and have noticed that I'm having to put a lot of 2 part in in order to maintain proper levels. My mag is kept right around 1350, alk is 9 dkh and my calcium has struggled to stay at or above 400.

About two months ago I started adding kalk to my top off so I didn't have to keep increasing my 2 part. I started at the recommended 1 teaspoon per gallon of kalk, and then recently bumped it to the max ( 2 teaspoons per gallon) to see if I can keep the calcium up.

I've noticed over the last couple months that my monti Digis have been struggling. Nothing else, just the Digis. Acros are good, and my lps and softies are as well. Is there a possible correlation between high kalk via a Topoff and struggling monti Digis?

Nano sapiens · Mar 10, 2015

Unusual for a problem to be that specific to just one species, but possible. Kalkwasser, if doesed properly, shouldn't have any negative effects. However, too much, too fast can cause pH to spike, so you might want to keep an eye on that.

Personal experience: I have a purple Digi that has been in a Kalkwasser only tank for years without any issues.

zoous · Mar 10, 2015

How are you adding the kalk?

Schgred · Mar 10, 2015

I pour some water in to a 10
Gallon tank. Add the kalk to the water, add the rest of the water then stir. Let it sit and then plug the ATO back on. It isn't ever adding a ton of water at once.

Randy Holmes-Farley · Mar 11, 2015

Schgred said:
I've noticed over the last couple months that my monti Digis have been struggling. Nothing else, just the Digis. Acros are good, and my lps and softies are as well. Is there a possible correlation between high kalk via a Topoff and struggling monti Digis?

No, assuming it is added slowly.

Aside from the slightly higher pH you experienced, the corals cant really even know where the calcium and alkalinity is coming from.

Have you maintained the same calcium and alkalinity levels?

Schgred · Mar 11, 2015

Yes calcium and alk have been consistent. I dose two part with a doser.

trout · Mar 11, 2015

I use limewater in my tank and also two different colour morphs of Montipora digitata without any problems. I suggest that problem you are experiencing has nothing to do with limewater unless your corals are near to where the dosing takes place. Is it possible to upload a a few pictures of your affected corals?