Sps and Alk ? Question

[BrentH]

I've read and see alot of people shot for 8.0 been reason totm and see alot of guys going 10 and higher in just a little confused what do most u guys shoot for on alk?? Or what's ideal... I have 2 sps tank and to be honest the one that has higher alk numbers gets better pe thanks for any replys and hope this makes sense? Lol

 

[aileen]

My alk is always between 9 and 10 on the Hanna checker or 170-180 dkh. I have a 195 with sps and lps and just started out 2-3 months ago. I'm only using kalkwasser on a an avast stirrer with my ato system presently, but plan to add a calcium reactor in the next month or two. I use neomarine from brightwell and really have never been able to get alk below 8ish. When my alk ran above 10 in my old 65g I noticed tissue recession on my sps.

 

[BrentH]

Thanks for the reply it just seems the corals like it higher in my tank I can get it around 8 but just wondering my tank is fairly new as well so I'm still struggling to find the balance etc..

 

[Dexters Reef]

Mines normally 9 to 9.3 in my tank..not sure what "ideal" is, but keeping it steady and consistant is important

 

[Duc1098]

Keep mine 7-8dkh. A lower nutrient system requires lower dkh. I start to notice a lot of burning on the top side of my corals if DKH start to swing over 9.0-9.5. Higher nutrient systems I have heard of people going up to 11dkh.

 

[MrHarvard]

I keep mine between 9.3-9.6

 

[MrHarvard]

Consistency is key with alk. As your tank matures and your bacteria stabilizes you will find your tanks balance. While its maturing and your coraline is growing, as well as when you add livestock your alk consumption is going to change. Keeping it consistant is alot more important than the exact number to run it at. You will get people who run theres on the high end and others that run on the low end. Everyones bacteria field and bioload is different so what works for one person may not work for the next. Find the level that works best for your tank and keep it there. Alk swings are one of the fastest and most common reasons for RTN and coral loss. Hope this helps.

 

[bobkill]

keep mine 7-8dkh. A lower nutrient system requires lower dkh. I start to notice a lot of burning on the top side of my corals if dkh start to swing over 9.0-9.5. Higher nutrient systems i have heard of people going up to 11dkh.

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