Alk Level for ULNS (Not Zeo)

[Patrick Cox]

I wanted to ask if the recommended Alk levels of 7.5-8.0 is only for a system where you are dosing Carbon / Zeovit System or does this apply to other means of achieving ULNS? My Alk is running around 8.3-8.6 with PO4 of 0.0 and Nitrate of 0.2. Should I also lower my Alk?

Thanks!

 

[Realposition]

It applies to all ULNS but I honestly wouldn't worry much about 8.3

 

[Patrick Cox]

It applies to all ULNS but I honestly wouldn't worry much about 8.3

Thanks. I think I will lower to 8.0. What is the best range for ULNS? 7.5-8.0? What about CA and MG? I am around 440 and 1320. Are those OK?

Thanks

 

[biggles]

I run 8.0 with 420 and 1350 in my ULNS so your levels are fine if you just drop the alk down mate.

 

[MammothReefer]

I run at Phos and nitrates at 0 w/out carbon dosing and am between 9-9.5 with a hanna checker.

 

[Patrick Cox]

I run 8.0 with 420 and 1350 in my ULNS so your levels are fine if you just drop the alk down mate.

Thanks. This is what I Plan to do.

I run at Phos and nitrates at 0 w/out carbon dosing and am between 9-9.5 with a hanna checker.

Thanks for your reply. What is your reason for running your alk at that level? How is that benefiting your corals?

 

[MammothReefer]

Thanks. This is what I Plan to do.



Thanks for your reply. What is your reason for running your alk at that level? How is that benefiting your corals?

I like to shoot for middle of the road numbers so if there is any discrepancy with my testing methods or test kits I have the most wiggle room for error on either side. I also use IO for my WC water so it would be a lot harder to try to keep it lower since IO runs around 11 and I would have a bigger jump up at every water change, but I don't really worry about shooting for a specific number only keeping it as steady as possible. The minimal change you'll see from "tuning" your alk to a specific number doesn't out weigh just holding it steady at a number that it wants to stabilize at imop.

 

[Patrick Cox]

I like to shoot for middle of the road numbers so if there is any discrepancy with my testing methods or test kits I have the most wiggle room for error on either side. I also use IO for my WC water so it would be a lot harder to try to keep it lower since IO runs around 11 and I would have a bigger jump up at every water change, but I don't really worry about shooting for a specific number only keeping it as steady as possible. The minimal change you'll see from "tuning" your alk to a specific number doesn't out weigh just holding it steady at a number that it wants to stabilize at imop.

Hi,
I hadn't thought about this but you are right about IO, it runs higher than my target Alk. I tested my at 9.6. That will be a constant challenge for me so I guess I need to consider changing salts. Thanks for the tip.

 

[trueblackpercula]

I have 8,3 Alk with zero and zero I plan on dosing vodka again should I lower it or leave them as is?