Question concerning kh..

[Zchauvin]

Hi guys, I have a 10g nuvo fusion. I change about 3-5g every weekend using IO Reef Crystals. Last week I noticed after the water change that my corals seemed upset but looked fine the next day. Today, I mixed my water to 1.026 as usual and have tested KH in both the tank and the new water. KH in tank is 7 using API and 9-10 for new water. I only made about 2 gallons max, thinking maybe I changed out too much last time. Will this KH difference affect my corals, even at a decreased % change? How would I got about fixing this, assuming I will need to start using two part?

 

Current stock -

 

Duncan

Xenia

Frogspawn

Blastomussa

Lobophyllia

Zoanthid

Acans

Candy Canes

Nepthea

Sinularia

 

Thanks in advance.

[seabass]

Alkalinity swings can be harmful to coral (some more than others). You should try to keep this parameter stable. I try to match my saltwater mix, versus trying to achieve ideal levels. This way, water changes don't impact stability. Yes, I would start using two part to help limit swings.

[drexel]

This is why I stopped using RC mix, the alkalinity was too high compared to the tank water. I would find a better salt mix that's closer to NSW and dose two part to keep things stable between WC's. I would only do a 20% - 25% max WC weekly. BTW, I use Aquavitro Salinity mix and love it.

When using RC, I had to stop dosing on Monday's (Sunday is my WC day) and I had to alter the dosing amount the second day, then return to the normal daily amount on the third and required a lot of testing, it was a PITA! After switching to Salinity, I dose 7 days a week and never have to alter the amount, only slightly increasing as my corals grow.

Do what you have to do to keeps things stable. Stability is the key to this hobby and a lot of patience.

Good luck!