Who checks alkalinity daily?

[Elementalj]

‍raises hand

 

[srad750c]

Once a week, I use a doser. When I set it up, I checked daily for a week. My tank stays between 8.4 - 9.0, I used to run higher but it’s more stable in this range in my tank.

 

[WWIII]

Every 4 hours with my kh director from GHL. Then I check it 3 or 4 times a week the old fashioned way using Lamotte titration test kit.

 

[UABsleeper]

I Check dkh every day.. Ca++ Mg once a week and rarely check pO4 and nitrate

 

[Ferrell]

Once a day at 1:00 pm, make any necessary adjusts, other biggies on Sunday

 

[Sherman]

Every 4 hours with my Alkatronic

 

[Bayareareefer18]

Got my hannah dkh checker yesterday. Think I have already checked alk about 5 times. Am I nuts? Lol

It has helped me to really get the number dialed in so I can accurately track tank consumption.

 

[Sallstrom]

We measure almost every day in the systems where we have the most stony corals. Twice sometimes if I'm not sure on the dosings are correct

We run from 6-8 dKH in our tanks. Some of them are quite low in nutrients. Has worked well for the last 10 years for us. I'm happy with the growth.

Nice to hear so many have a nice daily routine on measuring KH. I like to do it first thing when I get to the work/The Aquarium in the morning. Doing some tests and have a coffee

 

[chipmunkofdoom2]

On Saturdays I usually check the big 5 (cal, MG, PO , NA, AK) because I do my water changes on Friday night and want to catch any issues ASAP.

What do you mean when you say you test NA? Additionally, Po is the chemical symbol for polonium. If you meant phosphates, that's PO4.

Having said that, If you don't mind testing every day, there's certainly nothing wrong with it. You're right, it doesn't take that much time, and depending on the test kit, the testing costs usually less than a quarter per test.

I would also caution you against assuming that if alkalinity is stable, calcium is as well. This is far from the case, and there are several instances where calcium and carbonate alkalinity are consumed at different rates. Dosing errors will also skew this relationship and cause these elements to become relatively out of sync.

 

[Emerson]

I check alkalinity "most" days, but don't sweat it when I don't get around to it. I have an automatic dosing system set up, and found that once I got it dialed in, I maintain 8.1-8.5 dKh consistently. I also try to make sure I measure about the same time of day when I do. Purchasing the Hannah dKh checker has greatly increased my chances of testing, ...so easy. As long as everything seems stable and healthy, I test Ca, NO3, PO4, every week or two, Mg once a month. Log it all on Apex Fusion, gives a good record of trends, etc. (paper log book would be just as good).

 

[Rich Klein]

Once a week on Sunday. I dose 2 part (+ magnesium) with the alkalinity part being Soda Ash. I dose at night to smooth out the PH swing. I know by monitoring my PH through my Apex that the alkalinity is dosing is working. My PH swings between 8.24 and 8.3, and my dhK between 8.1 and 9 depending on the time of the day.

 

[Waynerock]

What do you mean when you say you test NA? Additionally, Po is the chemical symbol for polonium. If you meant phosphates, that's PO4.

Having said that, If you don't mind testing every day, there's certainly nothing wrong with it. You're right, it doesn't take that much time, and depending on the test kit, the testing costs usually less than a quarter per test.

I would also caution you against assuming that if alkalinity is stable, calcium is as well. This is far from the case, and there are several instances where calcium and carbonate alkalinity are consumed at different rates. Dosing errors will also skew this relationship and cause these elements to become relatively out of sync.

Yes Monk I meant NO3 and PO4. My iPhone auto correct is strong. I guess I need to check My Cal a little more as well I was under the impression that If AK is consistent then Cal will be as well. I change 4-5 gal every week in a 32 gal and they are usually rock solid. I don’t really dose. Thanks for the heads up i guess I read some bad info somewhere that had me believe if one was good the other is as well. Good lookin out.

 

[ksfulk]

I check daily (Hanna Alk Checker) and log the results in my Apex for trending. For best results, try to check at the same time (within reason) every day as well, this will give your data some meaning.

 

[DarthSimon]

With an SPS Dominant tank running a Calcium Reactor, I check 6 times a day with a KH monitor.

 

[Willie Villasana]

I check alk pretty much every day and ca and mg weekly. Starting to add coral now so I'm anxious to see how much perameters drop.

 

[Gabaghoul]

I have a Geo 818 Calcium reactor. I test Alk once per day in the morning before work and then adjust if needed. I try to maintain my Alk at 8.5, ideally between 8.1 and 8.7. Fluctuations happens. They have to in a closed environment if things are growing.

On Saturday or Sunday, I test Nitrate, which is typically 1 or less, and PO4, which is around .05-.18. I used to freak out when PO4 was over .08 because of the craziness around PO4 being .03 or else but I just dont believe its as important as folks made it out to be. Do I like lower? Yes. Does it matter that it is sub .05? I dont think so.

BTW, I havent tested Calcium or Mag in a very long time since I installed my Geo. Maybe I should take a look.