Alkalinity low

Tank14

New member
Did my weekly water testing:
PH - 8
Ammonia - 0
Nitrate - 10ppm
Phosphate - 0
Alkalinity - 8dkH
Calcium - 400ppm

Not sure why my alk is low (I try and keep it around 9.5-10dkH). I just did a 35% water change a couple days ago. Any thoughts?
 
i agree...the trend these days, is that more aquarists actually keep their systems at a lower dkh around 7.5-8.5 . i think its fine
 
8 dkh is ok. I prefer 9/ 10 in my system. keeping it steady is the issue.

What salt mix are you using? The water change may have reduced it.

Alternatively, as corals and coraline grow they consume alkalinity faster than calcium in the biotic precipitation of calcium carbonate. For every 20ppm of calcium used in this process, 1 meq/l (2.8dkh) of alkalinity is consumed. You can boost it with baking soda.

The sticky thread in the reef chemistry forum regarding salt mixes and their content and the reef chemistry calculator may be of interest.
 
I like to keep mie around 9ish as well. I am using Instant Ocean salt mix. I will check out that thread. Thanks!
 
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