KH dropping by 1.0 per week. Is this normal?

Miemaes · Aug 3, 2024

Hi everyone

My alkalinity has always been around 8.3 KH. I became lazy testing since it always remained pretty stable. Recently I started testing again since I noticed that my acro's were losing color. My KH was at a startling 6.1 (SHOCK!). I think it's a clear indication I need to start dosing. I've had my tank up and running since last year October. I've just just tested my parameters and I've been noticing a drop of 1.0 KH per week. Is this normal? It seems like a lot. My Calcium is rock solid at 430, which I don't understand since my sps corals are growing extremely well, and I always thought they would use up Calcium once they started to grow well. I've had some GHA and slight symptoms of cyano (I think) on the sand bed, but very mild. I am also looking into a dosing system that won't break the bank, but is reliable enough. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance!

KrisReef · Aug 3, 2024

Yes, coral uptake should be replaced with dosing to keep them growing and healthy.

Miemaes · Aug 3, 2024

KrisReef said:
Yes, coral uptake should be replaced with dosing to keep them growing and healthy.

Can you recommend a dosing system that you like? Also, any idea on why Calcium is stable compared to my KH?

scotty333 · Aug 3, 2024

I’m using Jebao 4.4 dosers (2 of) for complete control of kh,calc,mag,phos,nitrate,iodine
BUT if you have a ton of expensive corals then invest in something better because I’ve had issues with one of them but I’ve been lucky enough to catch it before my chemistry goes wack

Calcium’s not the easiest of tests and in relation to kh is I think about 2ppm per 1kh and unless your using a good (Salifert is what most use) then it won’t drop that quick

Someone will correct me if I’m wrong but you get the idea

KrisReef · Aug 3, 2024

I have a calcium reactor and when it is running properly the alk and Ca stay stable. So stable I don’t always measure Ca, just Alk to ensure that the parameters are on target. I test Ca once a month if Alk is stable, and test everything more often if Alk is moving around.

I use Hanna Checker with ppm readings and target ~140ppm. Lately it’s been reading 135,137,137 for the last 3 weeks and I tested Mg to make sure that it was above 1300, it was 1400+. Last time I checked Ca it was 440 and I expect that it’s at or above 400ppm currently.

There are many methods to replace alk & Ca, and I don’t know what method or products you favor, but they all can be used. That your Ca isn’t down but your Alk is may be a reflection of salt used and water change frequency?

Garf · Aug 3, 2024

Miemaes said:
Any suggestions

I expect you'll get away with some two part and a couple of syringes for a while. How big is the tank? Alkalinity and calcium are being consumed, it's just Alk gets consumed faster in relation to calcium due to the different amounts in seawater, and calcium tests are a little vague with accuracy.

Dakota_reef · Aug 3, 2024

Corals definitely consume Alk/Ca/Mg to make their skeletons, and that's actually how I know my corals are growing.

Any 2-part dosing is going to be good (and relatively inexpensive). I have used BRS' mixes with great results. I usually test Ca/Alk weekly and I test my Mg around 2x per month.

Recently I've switched to All For Reef by Tropic Marin, and it keeps all three of those elements in line so far (I've only been using it for a few weeks).

Miemaes · Aug 3, 2024

scotty333 said:
I’m using Jebao 4.4 dosers (2 of) for complete control of kh,calc,mag,phos,nitrate,iodine
BUT if you have a ton of expensive corals then invest in something better because I’ve had issues with one of them but I’ve been lucky enough to catch it before my chemistry goes wack

Calcium’s not the easiest of tests and in relation to kh is I think about 2ppm per 1kh and unless your using a good (Salifert is what most use) then it won’t drop that quick

Someone will correct me if I’m wrong but you get the idea

I came across the Jebao one, but too many reviews about calibration going south. I don't have super expensive coral, but to me it's more the time and energy you put into. I would hate to see it all crash due to a faulty amount of dosing. If I have to go with a more expensive brand I will, but even those I read mixed reviews. Really throws you off and gives me anxiety to leave it up to an app and device to ensure safekeeping of my tank. I'll be out traveling to Europe for three weeks and I want to make sure I can leave it in the hands of my husband with peace of mind since he is defenitely not going to check my parameters with my Salifert kits lol.

Miemaes · Aug 3, 2024

KrisReef said:
I have a calcium reactor and when it is running properly the alk and Ca stay stable. So stable I don’t always measure Ca, just Alk to ensure that the parameters are on target. I test Ca once a month if Alk is stable, and test everything more often if Alk is moving around.

I use Hanna Checker with ppm readings and target ~140ppm. Lately it’s been reading 135,137,137 for the last 3 weeks and I tested Mg to make sure that it was above 1300, it was 1400+. Last time I checked Ca it was 440 and I expect that it’s at or above 400ppm currently.

There are many methods to replace alk & Ca, and I don’t know what method or products you favor, but they all can be used. That your Ca isn’t down but your Alk is may be a reflection of salt used and water change frequency?

Currently I have reefcode by Brightwell. I have only had to use the B part and I've dosed manually (when I noticed that my alk. was very low). I use reef crystals at the moment and I change bi-weekly lately. Before I used to change 20% of my water every week but I came to find out that it's just not feasible with a hectic schedule. I read that some only do water changes once a month?

Miemaes · Aug 3, 2024

Garf said:
I expect you'll get away with some two part and a couple of syringes for a while. How big is the tank? Alkalinity and calcium are being consumed, it's just Alk gets consumed faster in relation to calcium due to the different amounts in seawater, and calcium tests are a little vague with accuracy.

My tank is a 35 g waterbox. I've been using the BRS calculator since I'm using Brightwells reef code. For the calcium I'm using Salifert, but the parameter hasn't budget since testing.

Miemaes · Aug 3, 2024

Dakota_reef said:
Corals definitely consume Alk/Ca/Mg to make their skeletons, and that's actually how I know my corals are growing.

Any 2-part dosing is going to be good (and relatively inexpensive). I have used BRS' mixes with great results. I usually test Ca/Alk weekly and I test my Mg around 2x per month.

Recently I've switched to All For Reef by Tropic Marin, and it keeps all three of those elements in line so far (I've only been using it for a few weeks).

I've bought the All for reef as well a while ago. It's still pretty full since I've been hesitant to use as it replenishes a lot of things I can't really test for. Makes me worry I might accidentaly overdose something. What are your views on that? What are the BRS mixes? Is it like a single mixed solution?

Garf · Aug 3, 2024

Miemaes said:
My tank is a 35 g waterbox. I've been using the BRS calculator since I'm using Brightwells reef code. For the calcium I'm using Salifert, but the parameter hasn't budget since testing.

Good

Miemaes said:
I've bought the All for reef as well a while ago

Could be the way to go.

Pod_01 · Aug 3, 2024

Miemaes said:
I've bought the All for reef as well a while ago. It's still pretty full since I've been hesitant to use as it replenishes a lot of things I can't really test for. Makes me worry I might accidentaly overdose something.

I used AFR in the past and I like it a lot. You can hand dose it daily so no need for Doser. Also it replenishes what corals need so as long as there is consumption you will not overdose anything.

It lets you concentrate on your corals and fish so you can learn how things work.

In your case I would start with 2.5ml a day and measure Alk once a day at the same time. If Alk trends down increase the dose a bit by 0.2ml. I would make adjustments once a week. Also check calcium once a week, unless it goes over 500 I would do nothing.
Other systems work but it can make things complicated at the start.

Good luck,

Court_Appointed_Hypeman · Aug 3, 2024

If you have a big tank, the joyreef diy dosing pump is a fun project and a good way to learn how to solder, it was my first time and I'm very proud of it. Works great. But probably not necessary unless you have a large tank or want to learn.

VintageReefer · Aug 3, 2024

For 400$ you could get a kh guardian pro and it will test your alk 6x per day, and auto dose a alk solution to keep your alk stable at whatever level you prefer.

Might be overkill. But if your lazy with testing and want this automated…

Cichlid Dad · Aug 3, 2024

Miemaes said:
I've bought the All for reef as well a while ago. It's still pretty full since I've been hesitant to use as it replenishes a lot of things I can't really test for. Makes me worry I might accidentaly overdose something. What are your views on that? What are the BRS mixes? Is it like a single mixed solution?

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