Alkalinity question

Discussion in 'New To The Hobby' started by radicalcorals23, Mar 4, 2011.

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  1. radicalcorals23

    radicalcorals23 Plankton

    Joined:
    Mar 4, 2011
    Messages:
    2
    Hello guys, I am starting to create a reef tank and I have a question about alkalinity levels in the tank for safe coral growing. What are suitable levels for growing corals in a fish tank (150 gallon) and how do I manipulate the alkalinity levels to achieve great success! :confused::confused::confused::confused::confused::confused::confused::confused:

    PLEASE HELP!!!
     
    radicalcorals23, Mar 4, 2011
    radicalcorals23, Mar 4, 2011
    #1

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  2. Crimson Ghost

    Crimson Ghost Blue Ringed Angel

    Joined:
    Nov 14, 2008
    Messages:
    1,560
    Location:
    Somewhere south of disorder
    Welcome to 3Reef !!

    7-11 DKH

    Manipulate? water changes help, you want consitency not changes. read these links, they will help you a great deal

    Reef Tank Parameters:
    Reef Aquarium Water Parameters by Randy Holmes-Farley - Reefkeeping.com
    Randy’s tank basics:
    Part I: The “How To” Guide to Reef Aquarium Chemistry for Beginners,
    Part 1: The Salt Water Itself

    Part II: The “How To” Guide to Reef Aquarium Chemistry for Beginners,
    Part 2: What Chemicals Must be Supplemented

    Part III: The “How To” Guide to Reef Aquarium Chemistry for Beginners,
    Part 3: pH

    Part IV: The “How To” Guide to Reef Aquarium Chemistry for Beginners,
    Part 4: What Chemicals May Detrimentally Accumulate
     
    Last edited: Mar 4, 2011
    Crimson Ghost, Mar 4, 2011
    Crimson Ghost, Mar 4, 2011
    #2
  3. steve wright

    steve wright Super Moderator

    Joined:
    Feb 17, 2009
    Messages:
    11,284
    Location:
    shenzhen Guangdong PRC
    generally accepted levels are between 7 and 11 DKH
    Calcium - between 380 and 450
    Magnesium - between 1350 and 1450

    depending on what your keeping , and how many of them you have
    you may find a quality salt mix brand, will achieve those levels for you, with nothing more than 5% - 10% water changes each week

    if your keeping calcium demanding corals or clams then you may have to supplement in addition to water changes ( and some supplement and do not perform water changes
    I prefer to change water because it adds the minor and trace elements that I cant test for, so I dont know if they have been utilised or not)

    methods of supplementing are various
    1) Calcium reactor
    2) Dosing Kalkwasser - which provides both calcium and alkalinity
    3) 2 part dosing - which is as it suggest 2 mixtures 1 supplying calcium and the other supplying carbonates (alkalinity)


    check the site out for more information on the above 3 subjects
    or feel free to ask about any aspects you are not sure about

    Steve
     
    steve wright, Mar 4, 2011
    steve wright, Mar 4, 2011
    #3