Should I be concerned about my 11.2 alk?

ctopal · Nov 9, 2014

My alk has been 11.2 for a long time, which is just above the advised parameters. I'm wondering if I should be concerned and if there is anything I can do to lower it. My calcium is typically between 420 - 450 and my PH is always 8.2. I dose my magnesium on and off to keep it above 1200. I use pickling lime in my auto top off. That and the magnesium are my only additives. I use instant ocean reef crystals and change out 15 gallons a week on a 90 gallon tank with a 30 gallon sump. My LPS havn't been doing well, so I was just wondering if maybe that has something to do with it. I keep the salinity at 1.025 and the tank temp is at 80.

Thanks!

Christine

Reefing Madness · Nov 9, 2014

Nothing wrong with 11.2, params are from 7-12, your right in there.

Randy Holmes-Farley · Nov 10, 2014

I agree that it is fine, unless you have a ULNS SPS tank, in which case the SPS may prefer a lower alkalinity.

Regardless, if you want to lower it, just add less solid lime into the limewater you use.

ctopal · Nov 11, 2014

Thank you both for the reassurance. I don't have much for SPS, but I would like to see the alk come down. I'll try to decrease the lime and keep an eye on the other parameters.