Alk question.
- Thread starter riv
- Start date
If you are doing water changes with a salt with equal or higher alk, you will be raising alk. If the alk of the salt is higher, the more changes you do, the higher the alk in your tank.
Best thing to do is switch salts to a low alk salt. The best low alk salt is Tropic Marin Pro Reef.
I am guessing you are carbon dosing. Tropic Marin Pro Reef is perfect for this and is one of the best salts on the market.
FlyinBryan
New member
That's a great level!! Bring it down by buying more corals to use it up!! 
bryman
New member
Let us know how you are dosing and what you want the ideal Alk value to be.
If using two part, there is a simple calculator that will tell you exactly what you need to reduce: http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/reef-calculator
If you are using a Calcium reactor, you can just turn off the CO2 and manually dose Ca and Mg to keep their levels until the Alk is where you want it. Then turn the CO2 on again.
If using two part, there is a simple calculator that will tell you exactly what you need to reduce: http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/reef-calculator
If you are using a Calcium reactor, you can just turn off the CO2 and manually dose Ca and Mg to keep their levels until the Alk is where you want it. Then turn the CO2 on again.
jm23
Active member
I forget when I talked with you last whether you were dosing or not. If you are not dosing I would stay with a higher alk salt mix, it gives you a buffer between water changes, otherwise you could switch salt mixes if you really wanted to. Your alk level is fine, the higher levels get more growth and lower some more color, at least that seems to be the consensus. As long as your alk stays between 7.5 and 12 you should be fine, the important part is stability, don't allow your alk to swing a lot.
Reefwise
Premium Sponsor
Roberto, your alk value is fine for your specified pH and calcium levels. These parameters are related to each other in their basic scientific definitions and should be looked at as a whole instead of individual parameters. Jullian Sprungs latest book does a good job describing this. It also includes all of the curves to show ideal values per given parameters. It's a great book if you are looking for more details.
I also use reef crystals as well in my personal tank. The only thing I typically do is add MgOH to it before I use it for a water change to raise the Mg level.
Another note is no matter what salt mix is being used mix it before adding it (if you are not using the whole bag/container). This will help ensure the salt mix is consistent every time.
Eric
I also use reef crystals as well in my personal tank. The only thing I typically do is add MgOH to it before I use it for a water change to raise the Mg level.
Another note is no matter what salt mix is being used mix it before adding it (if you are not using the whole bag/container). This will help ensure the salt mix is consistent every time.
Eric
