Do I need to really test for ALk?

I have never test for my alk. level. EVER! I always assume.. If my ph is constantly at 8.2 and never changes.. does that mean my Alk is at the right level and is stable? Or should I be testing it..

 

from my experince alk is more in balance with mag and cal
but a steady good ph lvl keeps alk from random drops

 

Is it fish only or is it a reef tank?
If it is FO water changes should be fine to keep in balance if it is a reef, log off and go buy an alk test kit!!

 

I have a alk test and carbonate hardness test. Carbonate hardness test is way easier to use IMO. My ph never moves but my Carbonate hardness is down 2dKH every day. I would definitely test for it or you will just end up fighting a calcium and magnesium battle.

 

Alkalinity and carbonate hardness are the same thing
Let me rephrase that, in the way that we mean them in the hobby they are the same thing...

 

Exactly. Carbonate hardness is one bottle that I put drops in the test tube with. Alk is three different solutions that have to be added. My alk test probably just sucks.

 

I've been using this two part supplement bottles and Part A has all the supplements needed in a reef and Part B is the alk. buffer. Maybe I should finally buy A test kit for ALk after 5 months of owning a reef tank.

 

Definitely should. I learned the hard way to never add anything I cant test for. For all you know your alk could be sky high.

 

Very True... Thanks guys