Carbon dosing high alk help

[Tokyoyankee]

Hi
I've been trying to correct my tank chemistry and have notice that my alk is high. Currently my cal is 450, alk 10 dkh and am running biopellets. Im dosing both cal and alk but I'd like to drop my alk down to 8. Can I just stop dosing alk and continue with the cal dosing? Please advise. I've noticed alk burns on the tips of my staghorn.

 

[bertoni]

Yes, that'd be fine. I did that regularly with my two-part.

 

[Tokyoyankee]

Thanks! Why is low alk required for carbon dosing?

 

[bertoni]

No one knows what's happening. Some tanks have issues with higher alkalinity levels; some don't.

 

[Tokyoyankee]

Would this cause issues with my nitrates? Seems like my bio pellets are struggling a bit

 

[bertoni]

The alkalinity level should be fine for the bio-pellets, although that's an interesting thought.

 

[tmz]

Thanks! Why is low alk required for carbon dosing?

Some who who run very near 0 PO4 and NO3 systems advocate lower alk to prevent "burnt tips" on acropora, attributed to high growth and low nutrient availability. There is no evidence to support that idea though and experiences are varied. FWIW, I've dosed moderate amounts of vodka and vinegar for almost 4 years with alk at 8.9 to 9.6 ,PO4 < 0.03ppm and NO3<0.2ppm without any coral stn or "burnt tips" issues.

 

[Tokyoyankee]

Thanks for all the info. I noticed a paleness on some of corals which I believe are alk burns after raising my alk. I'm goin start lowering it. What would be a good target? 8dkh?

 

[hey_frag]

8's a pretty good target for non zeovit systems

 

[Tokyoyankee]

I've learned my lesson and am targeting 7.5 to 8 dkh. I've been using Red Sea Coral Pro Salt and was wondering if I should switch salts. According to the bucket, the Alk mixed at 35ppt is 12 dkh. I'm now considering Reef crystals and Instant Ocean. People with ULNS, what salt works best?

 

[Purple Rocks]

here is a interesting scientific paper on Dosing Malasses (like myself) vs methanol wich is the standard. (Methanol wins)

It may help to understand why low alk is recomended.
http://www.ipcbee.com/vol1/72-B20023.pdf