Low Alkalinity

Hello All - My 2yr old tank (14g Biocube, w/3 zoas and a duncan) has developed to the point of consistently having low KH (5-6 dKH) and Mg (1360). My other parameters are fine with pH 8-2-8.4 and Calcium 420. I do 2g/10day water changes, and dosing with microbe-lift complete, which I won at springfest but finally run out.

As my tank matures and I add more corals, any thoughts on boosting my KH & Mg and keeping my pH and Calcium in balance.

 

What kind of salt?

 

Baking soda is another super cheap option for alk. Mg at 1360 isn't an issue.

 

Reef Crystals

 

I'm not using a ATO. Would I add it when I do my water change? Do I need to be concerned with a sudden shift in my water parameters? Same goes when I use baking soda?

 

Dude you gotta get an ATO then! Totally worth the cash. BRS has a nano osmollator for super cheap right now. The you can add kalk to your ATO. You probably will only need about 1 tsp per 5 gal to start. Be conservative with it. The more stable, especially with alk, the better. I agree, your mag and calcium levels are fine. Dont worry much about dosing bacterial stuff. Also try not chase numbers. Just be consistent with dosing and water changes yo.

 

I used baking soda in past for a 20 gal to raise kh. I think brs even has a calculator to help the amount of dosage.

 

FYI - Baking soda, AKA sodium bicarbonate

 

Yup. $7.49 for 13.5 pounds at Costco. That lasts me roughly a year in my 400g tank.

 

Well it seems like baking soda it is. I'll give it a whirl. Thanks for all the advice.