Big Alkalinity drop within 2 days

[lbv]

Two days ago, I checked my alkalinity using a SALIFERT test kit, and it was at 7.4dKH (slightly lower than I desired). Today I check the alkalinity in my tank since I was going to dose calcium (Kent Turbo calcium). The alkalinity was at 6.1dKH. Right now im raising the alkalinity using Seachem Carbonate / Alkalinity increaser.

The only thing that I did to the tank in the past week was today I got rid of some rock anemone in the middle of my Star Polyp Colony. I used a power drill, and drilled it out, and used underwater epoxy to plug the hole up (the 2 part stick that you need to mix). Could the epoxy do this?

Parameters:

Ammonia: 0ppm
Nitrates / Nitrites: 0ppm
Phosphates: >0.01ppm
pH: 8.3 (used a little vinegar to lower it slightly from 8.4 (added 0.5ml))
Calcium: 350ppm (dropped with the alkalinity)
Magnesium: 1270ppm
Salinity: 1.024 - 1.025 (specific grav)
Gallons: 20

What would cause such a big drop? The only chemicals added are Magnesium, Turbo Calcium, Liquid Storontium, and Iodine (all kent brand)

 

[Ralistin]

Was the epoxy Aquamend? If so, mine never did this.

 

[bertoni]

That size of drop could just be normal coral and coralline consumption, IME.

 

[lbv]

the expoxy i used is called AquaStik

Now that you say coral and coralline consumption, I noticed the star polyp colony i have is twice the size of when i got it (2 weeks ago). But other than that is there something im missing here? Or could it be the chemicals in the epoxy inferrefeing with the alkalinity test.

 

[bertoni]

I've used epoxy without an alkalinity effect.

 

[steve the plumb]

I have used epoxy with no problems.More often then not your alk is low due to consumtion.My friend has the same problem he has to dose serious alk every day(Randys formula) if not his alk drops below 7 dkh.What are your ph levels.I do find when my ph levels are lower than 8.1 my alk starts to decrease to 7- 7.6 dkh.This is my warning sign to and more kalk to my auto top off unit.

 

[DrBDC]

Alk can drop 2-4 dKh in one day if you have a lot of coralline and coral growth.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

I agree, a drop of 1 dKH or more in a day is quite typical due to use by corals, coralline algae, and abioticprecipitation of CaCO3.

 

[BeanAnimal]

I have a small 75g new tank (less then 9 months) that is a jumble of mostly frags. I have to dose 50ml a day of each part of Randy's 2 part recipe to keep up. If I fall asleep at the wheel I can easily drop 1 DKH in a day or so.

 

[steve the plumb]

hey bean I would invest in a dosing unit it will save you alot of stress and worrys I find its one of the best things I bought for my tank.

 

[BeanAnimal]

It's in the plans. Was going to do a DIY unit connected to my DIY controller.... but will likely just end up with a 3 output litermeter. My MAG suppliment will be diluted to match the concentration of the CA and ALK parts. All 3 parts will be dosed automaticlly. Just takes money.

 

[steve the plumb]

try the aqua medic very happy with it.You can get 2 to 4 dosing pumps with 1 controler.Its the cheapest one that I found that works well.My friend bought one aswell.You guys in the states have it good ref supplies are so much cheaper than in canada.