alkalinity dosing schedule

[mirko]

I've been struggling to keep my alkalinity stable in my 75-gallon mixed reef. Currently dosing 10ml of Brightwell Alkalin8.3 daily but it's still dropping from 8.5 to 7.2 dKH every 48 hours. Anyone got a better dosing schedule or product recs? Tank's got LPS, a few SPS, and a pair of clowns. Running Radion XR15s, 78°F, salinity at 1.025.

[robson]

You might need to up your dosing frequency. I had similar issues in my 120-gallon until I split the dose into twice daily, 5ml every 12 hours. Also, check your magnesium levels, low Mg can make alk bounce around. I use ESV B-Ionic two-part now, way more stable than Brightwell for me.

[flintech]

You might need to up your dosing frequency. I had similar issues in my 120-gallon until I split the dose into twice daily, 5ml every 12 hours. Also, check your magnesium levels, low Mg can make alk bounce around. I use ESV B-Ionic two-part now, way more stable than Brightwell for me.

Yep, seconding the magnesium check. My alk was all over until I got Mg up to 1350. Now I dose 8ml of B-Ionic at 8am and 8pm, keeps it rock solid at 8.8.

[flux_42]

My nano's alk drops like crazy too. Gonna try splitting doses like you guys said. Using Red Sea foundation right now but maybe time to switch. Got a Duncan and some zoas that look pissed when alk swings.

[Auric12]

Ditch the Brightwell, man. That stuff's sketchy for alk stability. I switched to Tropic Marin All-for-Reef last year and never looked back. Dosing 15ml/day in my 90-gallon, holds 8.5 dKH like clockwork. Also, what's your calcium at? If it's low, alk's gonna crash faster.

[mirko]

Thanks for the tips, everyone. I'll test Mg and Ca tonight and look into splitting doses or switching products. Appreciate the real-world experiences.

[robson]

Ditch the Brightwell, man. That stuff's sketchy for alk stability. I switched to Tropic Marin All-for-Reef last year and never looked back. Dosing 15ml/day in my 90-gallon, holds 8.5 dKH like clockwork. Also, what's your calcium at? If it's low, alk's gonna crash faster.

All-for-Reef is solid, but it's pricier than two-part. If budget's tight, ESV or Red Sea two-part with a dosing pump works nearly as well. Just gotta dial it in over a week or two.

[flintech]

For real on the dosing pump. Got a Kamoer X1 last month and it's a game-changer. Set it to dose 2ml every 3 hours and my alk hasn't budged from 8.6 in weeks. Torches and acans are finally coloring up right.

[flux_42]

Man, all this talk makes me wanna upgrade to a bigger tank. My 20-gallon's a pain to balance. Maybe time to cut it and go 50+ gallons for stability.

[Auric12]

Man, all this talk makes me wanna upgrade to a bigger tank. My 20-gallon's a pain to balance. Maybe time to cut it and go 50+ gallons for stability.

Bigger water volume definitely helps buffer swings, but nanos can work if you're diligent. My buddy keeps a 15-gallon with daily 1-liter water changes instead of dosing. His SPS grow slower but never have alk issues.