Mostly soft coral tank alk swing

[krash7172]

I'm curious what non SPS dominant tanks daily dkh fluctuation is. I'm mostly soft coral with a few LPS and SPS. Moderate fish stock. I drop about 0.175 dkh per day on average. I dose 2x weekly to maintain. When my alk is 9.0 I raise it to 9.5. What are you mostly softies doing?

 

[ScottR]

Your range is ok. 9.5 is a bit high for mostly softies but ok actually. I used to use kalkwasser via ATO. Pretty easy to use and very stable. I think it’s more effortless and also adds in calcium. 2 birds 1 stone.

 

[krash7172]

I'm more concerned with the swing and dosing schedule. I'm basically dosing 0.6 dkh twice per week. I know it's safe to do more but is this acceptable for long term practice?

 

[ScottR]

I'm more concerned with the swing and dosing schedule. I'm basically dosing 0.6 dkh twice per week. I know it's safe to do more but is this acceptable for long term practice?

It’s generally accepted that 0.5 a day is harmless. I prefer to use a doser or kalk for this reason: not only am I replenishing the little bit that is lost, but I am keeping it stable. For LPS and softies, you are fine IMO. Even SPS wouldn’t care to be honest. I’m sure water changes would make alk swing more even. If you’re worried, don’t sweat it.

 

[krash7172]

Thanks! I just wanted to double check. The fact that I'm even adjusting alk is a huge step in the right direction. I got a Hanna checker and I'm going through my usual OCD period while I figure out my tank's alk requirements. I know it's only going to get more important as coral grows.

 

[ScottR]

Thanks! I just wanted to double check. The fact that I'm even adjusting alk is a huge step in the right direction. I got a Hanna checker and I'm going through my usual OCD period while I figure out my tank's alk requirements. I know it's only going to get more important as coral grows.

It’s great you check!!! Many don’t. Stability is the thing I’m OCD about. Temp, salinity and alk are my big 3. Ca and Mg are up there too.