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


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  1. #1
    Tom Toro - Reefkeeper CR Member
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    Tom

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

    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
    240g Great Lakes Glass! ETSS1400/panworld250,LED 120wX4 AJM, LED,2x sunbrite ,Tunzex4/,200gal sump/mixed reef/Biopellets. Hammerhead return. UV 57w. Chiller.

    135g down and given to a buddy. New pic after the wall is repaired.

  2. #2
    slapshot - Reefkeeper CR Member
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    Awards Photo of the Month - May 2012 Photo of the Month Photo of the Month Tank of the Month

    Default

    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.

  3. #3
    CR Member
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    Jim

    Default

    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.

  4. #4
    Tom Toro - Reefkeeper CR Member
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    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by slapshot View Post
    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.

    Quote Originally Posted by Jim Z. View Post
    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.
    240g Great Lakes Glass! ETSS1400/panworld250,LED 120wX4 AJM, LED,2x sunbrite ,Tunzex4/,200gal sump/mixed reef/Biopellets. Hammerhead return. UV 57w. Chiller.

    135g down and given to a buddy. New pic after the wall is repaired.

  5. #5
    Sir Patrick - Reefkeeper A2 Club Coordinator
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    Default

    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

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