Low Alkalinity with Reef Crystals.

[pmaddox]

I have recently discovered my 28g nano had an Alk level of 6 dKh and my 34g had a level of 5 dKh.

I have slowly raised my 28g up to 10 and left it be.

My 34g (the one that's 5 dKh) hasn't been dosed yet. My question is, what are the side effects of low Alkalinity? The tank seems fine other than bryopsis i'm fighting.

Also, can I dose Alkalinity with saltwater since my salinity is a touch low anyway to avoid dropping it even further?

thanks for helping me figure this out!

 

[TheEngineer]

What's your pH? Alkalinity is a measure of how susceptible your water is to a change in pH.

Also, have you tested freshly mixed SW to make sure it isn't your test kit?

 

[pmaddox]

What's your pH? Alkalinity is a measure of how susceptible your water is to a change in pH.

Also, have you tested freshly mixed SW to make sure it isn't your test kit?

My pH today was approximately 7.8. I have not tested freshwater yet that is a good idea and I will do that.

My pH today was approximately 7.8. I have not tested freshwater yet that is a good idea and I will do that

It has not even been two weeks since my last water change just yet. My concern is that I don't want to start getting into a habit of chasing perfect alkalinity when in fact, it is possible I have always had low alkalinity. Does there seem to be any tale tale signs of low alkalinity like their candy with other elements?

Here is a link to my aquarium values. Make sure you note that the aquarium I am referring to is the second tab the 34 gallon or Red Sea max

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/17hGDk1hSgmBUhVNmyJh7MQ0C8uAdMzveuJd6iMef8uQ

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Side effects of low alkalinity are slower growth (or none) of hard corals and coralline algae, and also lower pH.

I would NOT boost the alk is new salt water as it is already quite high in most mixes and could lead to precipitation of calcium carbonate in it.