Low or High Alk for SPS?

[yannicksjh]

Just wondering what ALK you guys are running for your SPS tanks. Is it better to be lower or higher for more room for error? I know stability is key, but which is better? thanks everyone

 

[yannicksjh]

bump for an answer? thanks

 

[J.R.L.]

stability is most def. the key...many keep theirs between 8-11dkh....i keep mine at about 9 maybe 10 sometimes...as far as high or low both i believe are equally damaging to corals

 

[yannicksjh]

Happy medium? thanks

 

[Znut Reefer]

Between 8.5-9.5

 

[tommy patton]

I keep mine from 7 to 9 I am running a uln system and anything lower than 6.5 or higher than 9 and I can tell a difference in my sps right away.

 

[SS7]

7.5 here with great results.

SS

 

[chem-e]

I notice that lower is better for myself and when I'm above 9dKH the SPS aren't as happy.

 

[ngn8dogg]

anywhere in the 7-11 range is ok as long as its not swinging. Ive heard of someone on here who has a killer tank keeps his around 13 , But i would never recommend that. To be safe I keep mine from 8-9. most the time its at a constant 8.5

 

[treefer]

7-9

 

[sps1-2-b]

7-8

 

[yannicksjh]

thanks everyone. Looks like the average is around 8 . I think i'm going to do the same. Could have likely been my problem trying to keep a constant 11-12. Been slowly bringing it down and am now at 9. Currently using a API test kit and am almost out. All my other kits are Salifert and elos. What kit would you guys recommend is best for Alk (don't think I trust my API too much)thanks later guys

 

[GatorWPB]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14015374#post14015374 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by yannicksjh
thanks everyone. Looks like the average is around 8 . I think i'm going to do the same. Could have likely been my problem trying to keep a constant 11-12. Been slowly bringing it down and am now at 9. Currently using a API test kit and am almost out. All my other kits are Salifert and elos. What kit would you guys recommend is best for Alk (don't think I trust my API too much)thanks later guys

Im running an ULNS as well and they seem to recommend the 7-8 range. Im generally around 7.5-7.8 but I try to keep it higher. Ive had it at 12+ before without any ill effects. low alk less then 5 or so and you have a chance for RTN/STN.

My next round of test kits will be Elos. Heard great things about them and supposedly very easy to use.

 

[yannicksjh]

Ya, i'll probly just buy what ever one is available localy (salifert or elos). Not worth paying shipping fees for just one test kit. Anyone else have any suggestions on what test kit to buy? thanks

 

[60Cubed]

I run all Salifert but others are equally as good.

As far as Alk I keep mine around 9-10 generally closer to 9 though. I have ran it as high as 11 with no ill effects. But as stated earlier keep it consistant. Don't allow it to swing and everything will do just fine.