Softie/anemone/Fish tank is at 5.1 alk. Should I raise this one too?

[Tom Toro]

My 240 has mainly softies, anemones and fish. My parameters are:
Alk 5.1
Calcium 500
Mag 1500
SG 1025
ph 8.0ish
Temp 79ish

I have a coralline algae problem in this tank, coating the acrylic surfaces so thick that it plates. All fish look healthy as well as softies and anemones.

Q:Do I need to raise the alk in this tank to acceptable levels (8-9dkh) for the health of the fish/softies/anemones? or is the alk mainly used to help build skeletons for sps and lps? Can I leave this alk low like this indefinitely without harm or is there something looming?

I'm thinking if I raise the alk in this tank, my coralline with become even more of a problem, but if it's a health issue, I'll do it.

Thanks,
Tom

[slapshot]

Yes, raise it. I bet your calcium is high here to. softies use it also just not as much as SPS. High calcium is what drives the coraline.

[Jim Z.]

Standard reef buffer should help get your alk up to 8-9 dKh. Go slow with the addition of buffer over several days. Your magnesium is also high so it will pull that buffer up into solution..........................Jim Z.

[Tom Toro]

Originally Posted by slapshot

Yes, raise it. I bet your calcium is high here to. softies use it also just not as much as SPS. High calcium is what drives the coraline.

You're right Don. My Calcium very high. Off the Salifert chart over 500.

Originally Posted by Jim Z.

Standard reef buffer should help get your alk up to 8-9 dKh. Go slow with the addition of buffer over several days. Your magnesium is also high so it will pull that buffer up into solution..........................Jim Z.

Thanks Jim. I'll work on balancing it.

[Sir Patrick]

You still running pro-biotics?

How long has it been at this level?

I am a firm beleiver in stability, compared to levels, as long it in an acceptible range. Curious on some more info