Newbie questions on dkh

[newfly]

Apologize if this have been discussed a zillion times. I did a quick search and can’t find the answer I’ll looking for.

I am venturing into reefing. Had fish for many years. In the fish world, I don’t seem to care about dkh (at least not directly). Ph yes, but not dkh.

I have been using instant ocean salts for years. I understand the dkh for this salt is closer to 10. Every site I visited recommend something like dkh btw 8-12. So around 10 is good? I also read folks using acid to reduce the IO salt dkh. Is there a target dkh we should shoot for?

My takeaway is there is no right or wrong answer as long as it’s within the generally acceptable range. Is this correct?

maybe asking what’s the best dkh is like asking what’s is the best coffee. Everyone have different answer and all is correct.

some guidance is much appreciated.

 

[Cryptocaryon]

Correct.

You have summed it up perfectly.

 

[MarshallB]

I also use IO. I keep my dkh at 10 and have had no issues. I have to dose to keep it, but using soda ash allows me to buffer my PH to reduce swings.

If you're not keeping coral then I doubt you will ever need to worry about it anyways.

 

[newfly]

I also use IO. I keep my dkh at 10 and have had no issues. I have to dose to keep it, but using soda ash allows me to buffer my PH to reduce swings.

If you're not keeping coral then I doubt you will ever need to worry about it anyways.

I do plan on getting corals once the tank mature a bit.

 

[Cryptocaryon]

Correct.

You have summed it up perfectly.

I should add, elevated levels of Kh and calcium (above that found in natural sea water) lead to a higher growth rate of corals, same is true for Ph.

 

[blasterman]

I use IO as my default salt and at a density of 30 mixes up closer to 9 than 10 in my experience.

I would actually use Reef Crystals in a new tank over IO for one reason. Alk is prone to sudden dives in a young tanks as they are cycling and going through the uglies and the extra alkalinity in Reef Crystals gives you a lot more wiggle room before having to correct it. Thats'....actually the reason Reef Crystals has the higher default amount of alk in the first place. Then switch to IO later on as your tank matures.

I've kept reef tanks at 7 through 10 and if I had to pick an ideal number and stick with it for best SPS growth 9 would be it. Even lower numbers are fine, but these are typically more established tanks with rock steady consumption. For non SPS tanks a level of 7 is fine for softies and LPS.