Reef Crystals and Alk Question

[mjohns27]

Still fairly new to reefing so bare with me here... I am dialling in my dosing for Cal and Alk and am shooting for around 9 for Alk (about where my tank is sitting now and seems to be doing well). I am using Reef Crystals and test the Alk around 11-12. If I want to maintain my Alk lower than that, won't every time I do a water change, my parameters be thrown out of whack?

It is my understanding that you should aim to maintain your parameters within the range of a new batch of mixed saltwater. Is this reasoning correct?

My total water volume is around 110 gallons. If I do a 10% water change, is this too insignificant to increase my Alk?
What happens if I do a large water change, like 30-40% one day? Won't my corals risk Alk burn?

Thanks in advance for your advice! Any comments are welcomed.

 

[mjohns27]

Just noticed @Reeferparty's thread below with a similar question. Sorry for the repeat. Any advice is still welcomed!

 

[outssider]

once your corals start using alkalinity even a 30% water change isn't going to make much difference. I make only very minor adjustments to dosing on water change day. tank at 8 dkh and using reef crystals.

 

[gmlee]

I just switched over to reef crystals from instant ocean and considering my water changes are minor I don't worry about it.

 

[Andrew D]

That is the very reason I switched over the RC to H2O which mixes to an alk closer to what I like to maintain my tank at (8-9). My tank is large but so are my water changes (60G a week) and I found it difficult to maintain stability in what many consider to be the most important parameter, alkalinity.

 

[gmlee]

You have more to lose than I do.