Alkalinity dilemma

[Jarrett]

I always run my reef at an alk of 8.4-8.7 because i always thought that was best being closest to the natural sea water level. i have been reading a lot of articles lately about people running there reefs no lower then 10. and that growth is much better at that high of a level. before i go about raising my alkalinity i wanted to get your guys opinion on that?

 

[MatthewScars]

I always run my reef at an alk of 8.4-8.7 because i always thought that was best being closest to the natural sea water level. i have been reading a lot of articles lately about people running there reefs no lower then 10. and that growth is much better at that high of a level. before i go about raising my alkalinity i wanted to get your guys opinion on that?

I keep mine at 8 ~ 9. I find that keeping it in a more natural range (for my tank anyway), I dont have to test and dose as much.

 

[duke62]

depends on who you ask. some say 10 some say 8 to 8.5 and zeo guys keep it at 7

 

[Jarrett]

thanks for the reply guys. I dnt really test that much anymore eithier its very consistent at 8.4 and I like it that way so ill keep it the way it is. just figured I'd get some second opinions

 

[FaviaFreak]

if you plan on dosing a carbon source or certain additives than a lower Dkh help protects against burnt tips and peeling of acros..nothing wrong with running a higher Dkh either, just don't do it with carbon dosing

 

[magicalmets]

I was having the same problem. People recommend between 8-12, so i decided to go with the middle number which is 10. Now SPS are doing great. I have a birds of paradise that lost all its color and turned completely white now the polyps are turning purple and the base is turning green.