ants86
Aquarium Advice Regular
I've been experiencing some issues with my alkalinity being consistently low. I have a 60 gallon mixed reef, with about 10-15 different types of softies and mushrooms, about 4 acans, 1 large hammer, 1 open brain, and only 2 SPS (red cap and stylophora). I don't think my system demands high calcium or alkalinity, but I could be wrong. I also use IO's Reef Crytals.
My alkalinity has been running around 6 dkh usually just one week after a water change (I do bi-weekly 20-25% water changes), but calcium levels stay around 420-450 and magnesium around 1400. Other parameters are:
Ammonia: 0
Nitrites: 0
Nitrates: 5-10 (I know that's a little high)
Phosphates: 0
My acans used to do really well, but since changing from T-5s to LEDs about 2 months ago, 3 out of 4 of them have not been opening fully. I can still see the flesh and they still have a feeding reaction, although the reaction is much weaker. All other corals are doing fine, except for the ever-temperamental toadstool mushroom.
I tried dosing baking soda, which brings up the alkalinity temporarily, but even after a water change it usually drops back to about 6 dkh. Does anyone have any theories as to what's going on? Do you think the acans not opening have anything to do with the low alk? Thanks!
My alkalinity has been running around 6 dkh usually just one week after a water change (I do bi-weekly 20-25% water changes), but calcium levels stay around 420-450 and magnesium around 1400. Other parameters are:
Ammonia: 0
Nitrites: 0
Nitrates: 5-10 (I know that's a little high)
Phosphates: 0
My acans used to do really well, but since changing from T-5s to LEDs about 2 months ago, 3 out of 4 of them have not been opening fully. I can still see the flesh and they still have a feeding reaction, although the reaction is much weaker. All other corals are doing fine, except for the ever-temperamental toadstool mushroom.
I tried dosing baking soda, which brings up the alkalinity temporarily, but even after a water change it usually drops back to about 6 dkh. Does anyone have any theories as to what's going on? Do you think the acans not opening have anything to do with the low alk? Thanks!