pH Normal, Alk Low

[bsap]

So I’ve got a decently new tank setup with a handful of LPS and Soft corals. I’m dosing 9mL daily of All for Reef and my pH is 8.0-8.1, my Calcium is normal but my Alk is around a 6 as of yesterday. Any ideas on what to do next?

 

[PharmrJohn]

What do you normally dose to increase ALK?

 

[bsap]

Well that’s partially what I’m asking. Does it make sense to dose Kalkwasser in addition to all for reef? Or should I just up the dose on all for reef?

 

[crazyfishmom]

So I’ve got a decently new tank setup with a handful of LPS and Soft corals. I’m dosing 9mL daily of All for Reef and my pH is 8.0-8.1, my Calcium is normal but my Alk is around a 6 as of yesterday. Any ideas on what to do next?

Sounds like alkalinity consumption has increased recently.

What do you normally like to keep your alkalinity at?

I would adjust alkalinity using a product for just alkalinity and then slowly try to increase AFR until you find your new balance.

 

[bsap]

Sounds like alkalinity consumption has increased recently.

What do you normally like to keep your alkalinity at?

I would adjust alkalinity using a product for just alkalinity and then slowly try to increase AFR until you find your new balance.

So Kalkwasser then?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Well that’s partially what I’m asking. Does it make sense to dose Kalkwasser in addition to all for reef? Or should I just up the dose on all for reef?

I’d up the AFR dose. Calcium will hardly change using AFR to boost alk by 1-2 dKH.

 

[PharmrJohn]

Well, your pH is about where you want it. Kalk has a pH of 12.4. Sodium Bicarb has a pH of 8. I'd just use baking soda.

 

[PharmrJohn]

But I gotta admit. It's VERY difficult to appear that I'm overriding Randy. LOL, I really can't do that!

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

But I gotta admit. It's VERY difficult to appear that I'm overriding Randy. LOL, I really can't do that!

Nothing wrong with baking soda. My thought is if he is already using AFR and alk declined, he’s just not using enough so more each day will solve the issue long term.