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firewalk30
10/01/2009, 11:01 AM
I have noticed recently that the Dkh level of my reef crystals seems to drop quickly and is had to stabilize. In my 55 i have been dosing with B-ionic two part. I tested my Dkh this AM and it was 6. I tested the wifes tank with much lesss corals mostly softies and it was 7 and I dont dose her tank. What could be causing my drop in my 55. I do have corals but most are small and soft. Candy cane frogspawn and a few other hard frags. Can fish waste have an impact on Dkh? Maybe its the reef crystals? Doing about a 10 gal water change every week to week and a half. Any help is appreciated.

Billybeau1
10/01/2009, 11:25 AM
I would mix up a gallon of RC at 1.026 and test the alk after an hour or so.

This will tell you whether your salt mix is bad or your test kit may be faulty.

The RC should mix to about 12-13 dkh @ 1.026

We'll go from there.

firewalk30
10/01/2009, 12:02 PM
12 is infact the reading...now what? :-)

Billybeau1
10/01/2009, 12:49 PM
Then you are just not supplementing enough alkalinity between water changes. I'd get your alk up with a little baking soda and go from there. I would do it in the course of a few days. Use the Reef Chemicals Calculator for required dosing.

firewalk30
10/01/2009, 07:02 PM
just seems like my Dkh drops so fast...is this normal? What all affects Dkh

Billybeau1
10/01/2009, 09:01 PM
Give this a read

What is alkalinity
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2002/2/chemistry

bertoni
10/02/2009, 04:25 PM
A drop of 2-3 dKH per day is reasonable for a tank with a lot of coralline or coralline algae growth. I suspect the tanks just need more dosing. :)