Proper Alkalinity?

[skibum9884]

What is the proper alkalinity to keep your tank at? I thought it was around 3, but now am second guessing myself.....

 

[a2fire2i]

I try to keep mine beween 2.8 to 3.57 meq/l (8 to 10 dkh)

 

[skibum9884]

thanks. i think i need a better test kit also, my 'Red Sea - Marine Lab' leaves a lot to be desired....

 

[JPMagyar]

Debates.

Debates.

This is one of those issues that draws frequent debate amongst avid aquarists as some lean towards elevated levels and others seek to maintain "natural" levels. Not wanting to chose sides here I will say simply that 8+ dKH appears to be the norm for many great tanks and recent experience has shown that testing with multiple kits may be beneficial before making any large adjustments as the accuracy of kits is not always what is expected so multiple testing seems to be the only way of insuring accuracy.

 

[skibum9884]

I know there are pH and Calcium monitor probes. does anyone know if one is make for dKH (or a combo dKH and Calcium)?

 

[Patrick12]

It is recommended by some, and I subscribe to it, to keep the alk slightly higher in a captive system than the natural reefs. I try to keep mine between 7-12 dKh. My growth is awesome and my pH is very stable.