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Very low ALK issue?


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  1. #1
    MizTanks - Reefkeeper
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    Default Very low ALK issue?

    No idea why but my Alk is very low at 7.0 and my Ca is way high 480-500, PH is low also 7.5 and mag 1440. Using Reef Crystals. Not dosing anything. Been like this since day one. 10g water change has very little to no effect. Test kit is a new RedSea Pro. Several LPS, 1 SPS and 2 Zoa frags.

    Suggestions welcome
    There's nothing like being a Reefer! www.upmmas.com

  2. #2
    jimsflies - Reefkeeper
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    Default

    Add some alkalinity to bring it back. Its pretty common for alkalinity to drift down. Some salt mixes are low out of the box.

    The reef chemistry calculator might help figure out how much you need to add:
    http://www.captivereefs.com/forum/re...alculator.html

  3. #3
    MizTanks - Reefkeeper
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    Default

    I tested make up water and ALK was 10.5 Do skimmers effect ALK?
    There's nothing like being a Reefer! www.upmmas.com

  4. #4
    jimsflies - Reefkeeper
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    Corals and coralline growth effects alkalinity.

  5. #5
    ReefTech - Reefkeeper Moderator

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    Default

    A good idea would be to test parameters every day for at least a week to get a better idea of what's going on. Alk and calcium should both be getting lower over time if the corals/coralline are using them. But if only ones getting lower or there both going in opposite directions then there's another issue somewhere else. First things first, test everyday to see what the trend is and then go from there. Plus what are you trying to keep your alk at? One thing you could do is pick a number that you want your alk at and use a supplement to keep your alk at that number and just let your calcium naturally fall down between 400- 430.

  6. #6
    MizTanks - Reefkeeper
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    Default Very low ALK issue?

    I'm wondering if my kit is bad. My Ca hasn't dropped nor has my ALK raised since I set the tank up almost 10wks ago.

    As of yet there are no signs of Coralline growth. As for Corals 1 SPS and 8 LPS.
    What about using Kalkwasser in my ATO? I've no other supplement ATM.
    There's nothing like being a Reefer! www.upmmas.com

  7. #7
    ReefTech - Reefkeeper Moderator

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    Default

    Part of it might be the fact that the tank is still relatively new. It sounds like a balance hasn't been reached yet. I know you've said your birds best is growing but is anything else showing signs of growth. It's possible that the corals are still getting used to the new lighting therefore there not really using up the alk and calcium. You may notice a drop in calcium if you raise your alk up.I ran into a similar problem awhile back where my alk would fall and my calcium would stay the same or go up. I dosed and kept my alk at 8.19 and monitored the two everyday and eventually the calcium started going down.once it hit 420 is when I set up my calcium reactor but before that I was testing everyday to see how much was being used up everyday and dosing accordingly.

  8. #8
    binford4000 - Reefkeeper
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    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by MizTanks View Post
    I'm wondering if my kit is bad. My Ca hasn't dropped nor has my ALK raised since I set the tank up almost 10wks ago.

    As of yet there are no signs of Coralline growth. As for Corals 1 SPS and 8 LPS.
    What about using Kalkwasser in my ATO? I've no other supplement ATM.
    Reef crystals is well known for Alk swings. It drove me nuts !! Manoj gave me some advice way back when ,it did help. Try rolling your bucket around on it's side and mix it up well before you make your new batch of water and test The new mix.Starting kalkwasser in your top off wont hurt. You have a fair bio load from your old tank and they're use to it. Birds nest and SPS consume Alk like crazy!! I doase close to a full liter a day. Like reef tech said it is a new system and things will swing. It takes a few years tell it really goes on cruise control

  9. #9
    jimsflies - Reefkeeper
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    Quote Originally Posted by MizTanks View Post
    I'm wondering if my kit is bad. My Ca hasn't dropped nor has my ALK raised since I set the tank up almost 10wks ago.

    As of yet there are no signs of Coralline growth. As for Corals 1 SPS and 8 LPS.
    What about using Kalkwasser in my ATO? I've no other supplement ATM.
    Test kit is reading differently for new salt, so I doubt that is it. Although some kits are better than others. I'm not familiar with the Red Sea Pro.

    I agree with Reef Tech to record the levels daily for awhile to get a trend. Try monitoring in the morning and at night to see any changes. Try to stick with the same times each day.

  10. #10
    MizTanks - Reefkeeper
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    Default

    I do roll my bucket of salt at least twice a month Mix new water for 24hrs or a little less. I kind a remember going through a similar experience when I started Miz26 like 3+ years ago. How soon we forget! lol I remember how much I hated testing though

    Thanks guys a bunch!
    There's nothing like being a Reefer! www.upmmas.com

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