Need help with Alkalinity!!

[bsr2430]

In my 55 gallon tank I have many LPS corals, I hand dose the tank, I have a canister filter below and would be hard to hook a dosing system up for this tank, until I can upgrade the tank and go away with the canister filter and start using a sump.

I dose with Seachem Reef Builder, everytime I try and raise my Alk it never works, sometimes I think I'm getting a bad reading, but I don't, anyone else having this issue?

Corals in the tank: Frogspawn's, Many Chalices, Favia's, GSP, Candy Cane Coral, Xenia's, every kind of Mushroom, I have a few SPS, that are doing well! I'm stunning the growth for my Coral though, I would love if someone can help with this. I just don't want to over my dose and put everything in shock.

If I'm missing anything, pleasse ask me! I just want to bring that level back up!
my current readings:
Alk - 2.5
Mag - 1,250
Cal - 400
PH - 8.2
Nitrate - 0
Phosphate - 0

 

[hotashes]

I would say if Alk wat that low you’d have had a tank crash surely due to ph... or not?

A.

 

[Undertaker]

alk reading id say is wrong. what are you using to test?

 

[lapin]

What kit are you using and what is your output in? If you are 2.5 meq/l that = 7dkh
meq/L
dKH
ppm

If its 7dkh your tank may just like that level and if everything looks great then I would not change it. If you do want it to go up, the easy way is to find a salt mix that is what you want your tank to be at. Use it and over time your alk will rise.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

In my 55 gallon tank I have many LPS corals, I hand dose the tank, I have a canister filter below and would be hard to hook a dosing system up for this tank, until I can upgrade the tank and go away with the canister filter and start using a sump.

I dose with Seachem Reef Builder, everytime I try and raise my Alk it never works, sometimes I think I'm getting a bad reading, but I don't, anyone else having this issue?

Corals in the tank: Frogspawn's, Many Chalices, Favia's, GSP, Candy Cane Coral, Xenia's, every kind of Mushroom, I have a few SPS, that are doing well! I'm stunning the growth for my Coral though, I would love if someone can help with this. I just don't want to over my dose and put everything in shock.

If I'm missing anything, pleasse ask me! I just want to bring that level back up!
my current readings:
Alk - 2.5
Mag - 1,250
Cal - 400
PH - 8.2
Nitrate - 0
Phosphate - 0

How much did you add, and what happens when you add more?

 

[bsr2430]

I would say if Alk wat that low you’d have had a tank crash surely due to ph... or not?

A.

PH is right on point with no tank crash.

 

[bsr2430]

alk reading id say is wrong. what are you using to test?

I use Red Sea Reef Foundation Pro and Marine pH & Alkalinity test kit.

 

[bsr2430]

What kit are you using and what is your output in? If you are 2.5 meq/l that = 7dkh
meq/L
dKH
ppm

If its 7dkh your tank may just like that level and if everything looks great then I would not change it. If you do want it to go up, the easy way is to find a salt mix that is what you want your tank to be at. Use it and over time your alk will rise.

Sorry, you’re correct, it’s 2.5meq when I check it, so 7DKH.

I use reef crystals for my salt mix.

Any better Alkalinity test kits on the market that isn’t over priced?

 

[bsr2430]

How much did you add, and what happens when you add more?

I usually add .50meg/l and it only will raise it by about .5 DKH??? When in reality it should be 1.5DKH.

I mean I know my tank has many coral but how can it suck up that much Alk at a time???

 

[Jr'sReef]

Salifert or a Hanna Checker, the hanna may seem pricey but worth every penny.

 

[Mustangtodd97]

Following. I’m having the same problem myself!

 

[bsr2430]

At least it isn’t just me. I went ahead and purchased Salifert. Go to eBay, they’re $12.94 with free shipping, I’m going to run the test using a third kit. Read the reviews on it, one of the leading ones for your money!

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Following. I’m having the same problem myself!

What problem exactly?