Would low Alk cause my SPS bases to bleach?

[stormrider27]

I noticed that some of my SPS are bleaching where they are encrusting on the plugs so I tested my water. All the parameters are okay except my Alk dropped down to 5.8. Could this be the cause of the bleaching? I am in the process of getting my Alk back up to 8 but for some reason my tank sucks up Alk like crazy.

Thanks

 

[Apisto]

Alk is one parm that you want to try to maintain the highest degree of stability possible. The bleaching you are seeing may be RTN/STN, in which case you may need to not only get your Alk stable, but also frag your affected corals before you loose them. Keep your eye on them while you SLOWLY bring your ALK back up.

 

[Znut Reefer]

+1 on the alk. Try to maintain it between 8.5-9.0. Low alk can cause bleaching and RTN. Good advice from Aptiso.

 

[tuumi]

Rtn?

 

[diciple]

Tuumi rapid tissue necrosis,or real trouble NOW,coral is stressed literally to death ,that's why if it happen's remove affected coral asap and frag above dying tissue if possible