Tank consuming .275 dKH a day with zero corals

[MadTownFess]

My tank is going on a month old. Its been averaging consuming .275 dKH a day. What would be consuming it? Only stocking is 2 clownfish

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

How long has this trend been happening?

What’s the observation time?

 

[MadTownFess]

How long has this trend been happening?

What’s the observation time?

Started at 8.8 went to 7.2. Dosed back up for 8.7 went to 7.5. Dosed back up to 8.8, now went to 7.7. Approximately three weeks total. One week cycle using bacteria

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

Did you use live rock? What was the cycle method ?

Nitrifying bacteria will use alk but that seems high.


https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.re...ity-to-convert-ammonia-and_fig1_241040412/amp

 

[MadTownFess]

Dry reef saver rock. Dr.Tims nitrifying Bacteria and did a fish in cycle with two clowns. Yes I know you shouldn't cycle with fish, but the breeder I got them from has 100,000 clowns and ships all over the world, told me it was okay to do it, and that they would be fine. So I trust his opinion. One week cycle, never really saw a large spike. Got a small brown alge outbreak about 2 weeks ago, but it was very minimal. Still there a little bit, but still very minimal

 

[Smo]

Do you have sand in the tank?

 

[MadTownFess]

Do you have sand in the tank?

Yes I forgot to mention, I started with Arag -alive sand, 20 pound bag in 45 Gallon tank.

 

[Smo]

Have you noticed the sand getting “crusty” or “clumpy?” Calcium carbonate may be precipitating into the sand or on the rocks. Is your Mg level good?

 

[DarkSky]

Also - do you have any coraline growth? That'd take up calc/alk.

 

[mbmax]

It happened to me with my first tank years ago. Calcium carbonate is probably precipitating on the equipment and sand.
If you don’t have any corals don’t dose anything for a few weeks and just do weekly water changes it should stabilized by itself.
I have a 200gls full of sps and I am dosing only 158ml.

 

[MadTownFess]

Have you noticed the sand getting “crusty” or “clumpy?” Calcium carbonate may be precipitating into the sand or on the rocks. Is your Mg level good?

No the sand looks good. Have not tested my Mg, plan on getting that test as a Christmas gift

 

[MadTownFess]

Also - do you have any coraline growth? That'd take up calc/alk.

Nope. only a month old tank and have not introduced coraline

 

[Coralsea_co]

Magnesium is an important ion for saltwater aquarists. In addition to its many biological functions, it serves to prevent the excessive precipitation of calcium carbonate from aquarium water.
Control the amount of magnesium!