What do YOU keep your Alkalinity at?

christyf5 · #1 01-05-2008, 10:38 PM

I keep mine between 8 and 9 dKH. I used to keep it higher but the tank seems to be happy at these levels.

Myka · #2 01-05-2008, 10:48 PM

So do you guys all use test kits to test it? I use a Salifert test kit, and I just find it's such a pain in the butt.

christyf5 · #3 01-05-2008, 10:54 PM

Yep I use salifert. Its a bit of a pain but heck, you should try those ones with 8 drops of this and a spoon of powder. The alk test is the easiest one IMO. After awhile you get used to it.

untamed · #4 01-05-2008, 11:12 PM

Don't forget that there is a relationship between Alk and pH. As everyone's tank does a daily pH cycle, you get varied Alk readings depending on where you are in that cycle.

I get about a full dKH difference depending on what time of day I measure the Alk.

If you think you are a bit low...try measuring again right before the lights go off.

Canadian · #5 01-06-2008, 01:11 AM

7 dKH measured with an Elos test kit. I'm trying to make sure that my Alk stays below 8 dKH because I dose vodka.

marie · #6 01-06-2008, 01:42 AM

I found my system did best with alk at 9 and calcium around 380 measured with salifert test kits

PoonTang · #7 01-06-2008, 02:11 AM

I guess i'm at the high end of the scale. Cal 440, Alk 11.2. I use a Salifert for Cal and a SeaChem for Mag/Alk

Quote:

Originally Posted by Canadian

7 dKH measured with an Elos test kit. I'm trying to make sure that my Alk stays below 8 dKH because I dose vodka.

Why is it important to keep Alk low when you dose vodka?

Myka · #8 01-06-2008, 02:20 AM

Thanks for the responses everyone!!

I wish they had a monitor like they do for calcium. I guess they have one for freshwater, but for some reason they don't work for saltwater. If there was a monitor I would be better at keeping my Alk where it's supposed to be... LOL.

Canadian · #9 01-06-2008, 02:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PoonTang

Why is it important to keep Alk low when you dose vodka?

When dosing vodka or using any of the probiotic/carbon source systems like Zeo and Fauna Marin alkalinity is apparently supposed to be kept below 8 dKH to avoid "burning" the tips of SPS. I wouldn't say it's kept "low" per se - it's still within typical reef values in the real world: http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-05/rhf/index.php