Low Alkalinity Theory

[Alex T.]

For those of you running ULNS systems (vodka, vinegar, sugar, Zeovit, pellets) what is/are the supporting reasons for keeping your alkalinity on the lower end of the scale around 7/8?

Just curious.

 

[James404]

Most ULNS suggest that you keep your parameters as close to sea levels as possible. That is the reason why they suggest keeping the lower levels of alk.

 

[OneReef]

They say higher alk with ulns can cause burnt tips or paling

 

[cshutchinson]

For those of you running ULNS systems (vodka, vinegar, sugar, Zeovit, pellets) what is/are the supporting reasons for keeping your alkalinity on the lower end of the scale around 7/8?

Just curious.

+1 on what James said. I have noticed that in my Zeo system, that you can almost read alk from the daytime polyp extension. 7.5 seems to be the sweet spot and at 8.5 they aren't extended as much during the day. When I manage to nail 7.5, they are all full extended ALL day and night.

 

[dangerrrr]

I have first hand experience with this.

I ad always ran my Alk higher than normal at around 11-12dkh. I was seeing good colours, and average growth.

I started dosing Zeo Supps without realise that they recommend keeping a lower Alk and i sore an immediate down turn with my SPS. First it was the Tenuis' that took a dive and then some of my Stags. I battled with this for a few months not understanding what was going on.

I've since lowered my Alk down to around 8.5dkh and everything is looking 100% better. Even frags that had started to recede have now started growing again...

FWIW my Nitrates are 0 and Phosphate are at 0.03 Hanna. I have power heads in every chamber of my sump and fuge, and regularly rake and turkey baste my display tank. I have a deltec nitrate reactor that is fed vodka daily. It is VERY ULNS...

 

[Bayliner]

Sorry if this is a dumb question, but what do you do to lower you Alk ?
I should mention that my calcium is around 450ppm

Thanks
Cam

 

[dangerrrr]

Stop dosing. It will fall naturally.