New tank - How to stabilize Alk ?

[Jackooze]

Hey everyone, I’ve tried searching before posting this question but I haven’t found an answer specific to my issue. My tank is 9 weeks old with only fish and I am trying to stabilize my alk before adding coral. I am using Trident to test parameters which I have calibrated. I dosed Alk to 8.5 but it keep dropping back down to 6.5 over two days. I setup my DOS to dose two part solution of ESV 3 ml every day for 140g tank and I still can’t keep a consistent 8.5. I don’t understand, what’s consuming all this alk? Is this precipitation?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Likely precipitation.

I'd keep the alk at no more than 7 for now. No fish wants alk higher than that.

 

[Jackooze]

Likely precipitation.

I'd keep the alk at no more than 7 for now. No fish wants alk higher than that.

Thanks Randy for responding. When do you think it’s the appropriate time to add easy coral ? Should dose to to try to maintain 7 ?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Thanks Randy for responding. When do you think it’s the appropriate time to add easy coral ? Should dose to to try to maintain 7 ?

I'd let it continue to fall and see how low it goes. It won't hurt anything to be in the 6's. Below that, I'd dose baking soda.