Should I have Alk at around 8.0?

[malate]

I typically keep my alk levels around 7 but wondered if I should slowly get it to 8. Recently got an ultimate blue stag and Oregon tort and really want these to grow.

I also have a kessil light and get the intensity up to 80% for about 2 hours a day during the lighting cycle.

[djbon]

I keep mine at 8dkh, but all depends on the other 2 elements (mg & ca) for stability. Higher nutrients demands slightly higher alk, based on my experience and recommendation of fellow experienced reefers.

[JohnnyHildo]

many have had success keeping sps at lower kh too. to me the main goal is to maintain stability while staying within the parameter limits. having lower kh that is stable is better than not being able to provide consistent levels.

[Hentz]

I've found my tanks sweet spot is 7.5. This is running ZEOvit, so keeping my tank at an ultra low nutrient system, with calcium at 410 and mag at 1300.

I've found if my alk goes to 7, my corals look good but not happy. At 8, they looked good but not as happy. 7.5 they were blooming and full of life lol. Not sure why the small change was so drastic.

[jda]

I you are not ultra-low, you can go to 8 or beyond. What are your N and P levels? I don't like to get below 1 or 2 on hannah ultra-low phosphate without having the alk more near 7.

I end up liking to be in the 2 to 5 range on hannah and keep the alk around 9ish. Works for me because I don't really have to do anything but let the CaRx run and change some water every few weeks.

[abhishek@1985]

Its all depending on your nitrate and phosphate levels as others suggested .
Also, what kind of lights are you using ? PAR values?

Generally, if you have higher nutrients, higher Alk is better and lower nutrients with lower Alk .

Regards,
Abhishek

[DiscusHeckel]

My acros look at their best when alkalinity is below 7 dKH, typically 6.7 dKH or a little lower. My NO3 is usually between 1-2.5 ppm and PO4 is around 0.046 mg/L. pH is not a real concern for me at this low level of alkalinity because I dose kalkwasser, which keeps pH stable throughout the day.

[malate]

My acros look at their best when alkalinity is below 7 dKH, typically 6.7 dKH or a little lower. My NO3 is usually between 1-2.5 ppm and PO4 is around 0.046 mg/L. pH is not a real concern for me at this low level of alkalinity because I dose kalkwasser, which keeps pH stable throughout the day.



I'm at that alkalinity level usually as well.

Thanks everyone for your feed back!!

[eder10986]

I run my alk at 9 and have reached a dosing regime that maintains my alk pretty steady. Do y'all recommend i slowly decrease to 7-7.5? I always knew the normal levels to be 8-12. Now I'm confused.....


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[eder10986]

No one?


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[Pittsburgh]

I always knew the normal levels to be 8-12.


:confused:

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2002/11/chemistry#section-0

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2005-11/rhf/index.php#3

[Wazzel]

I run mine between 7.5 and 8.