3 months of battling low KH

[Cuttlefish]

I know this is getting redundant here but I beginning to see the true impact of fluctating KH. For a while I thought as long as I was able to bring it up easily the cause wasnt so important. But now I see how crucial it is for a reef to be in a sustained and stabile environment. In terms of growth, its absolutely vital. Its wierd because in many areas of the tank there is new coralline growth on glass, pvc, pumps, but on the rock it hasnt expanded for weeks. In fact it has regressed and died off on one particualr rock I spend over $100 on. I dont know who aquacultured this rock and how he was able to get this thick coralline to completely encrust the surface. Id like to know how he did it cuz even in Tanks of the Months I dont see that much success with coralline algae. Its probably not priority for most to have everything encrusted, nor is it mine. But Id lke to understand what makes it grow so well for this guy yet in other tanks, like mine, with undetectable nitrates and phosphates and all the other bad stuff, it dies out. The only thing I havnt tested for is Mg. I know Mg is crucial in a reef but Ive been doing alot of water changes with reef designed salts so I find it hard to believe it would drop to the point of causing coralline death. Besides its growing on the glass. Anyway im starting to ramble OT here.

The fact is I just cant keep my KH up. I bought another 2 part ionic dosage system. Problem is the calcium is holding firm at 420+ so theres no need to use the 2 part system right now. Ive been using Kent Coral Builder and it works everytime, 3 teaspoons brings it right up to where its gotta be and I was hoping it would allow things in the tank to use up some of the Ca, so it would fall and I could start dosing the 2 part. But within 48 hours the KH falls. I even stopped using my own RO water and have been using NutriSeawater and super filtered RO water from the LFS. Im really getting frustrated though. I keep hoping a point will come where the tank doesnt require SO much work and it can just be enjoyed. But that hasnt happened.

Anyone know what could be caused my Alkality to drop constantly? And anyknow what kind of conditions couldve allowed this person to aquaculter this rock into solid thick-ass purple?

[Fat Tony]

How deep is your sandbed... and an accurate measurement (via a pH probe) would also be nice

[tdwyatt]

Originally Posted by Fat Tony

How deep is your sandbed... and an accurate measurement (via a pH probe) would also be nice

??? How do you use your pH probe to measure the depth of your sandbed??? is it calibrated in cm or inches???

Back on topic... ...remember that even with good alkalinity, Ca++, and a balanced package of conservative elements, Corallinaceae spp. are still a type of algae, and as such, may require time to grow in new, nutrient-poor systems. Things that allow good growth of Corallinaceae spp. withough lending conditions to blooms of nuisance algae include good and proper temp lighting, adequate amounts of calcium and alkalinity, a balanced and appropriate ASW, appropriate circulation for the sp. in question, and as hard as this might be to believe, grazing by urchins (this keeps the rock surface clear of green algae, and the messy eating habits of most urchins allow for reseeding/spreading of coralline algae). It also helps to have rock that contains spp. of coralline that you want in the system.

[Fat Tony]

DOH!! thanks Tom, apparently I had a Sr moment with my typing..LOL

I also read your other thread concerning Mag and a deficiency in it certainly wont help with alk levels staying stable. I can also tell you that with a talk chocked full of SPS (mine) drops alk rather quickly and a calcium reactor (or consistent dosing via kalk or the like) is required. I can drop a point or 2 in just a matter of a couple days if things aren't regulated (like a clogged outlet on the calcium reactor).

[aquawolf]

It is definitely a delicate balance, and if your tank is not full of SPS like Tony's then you need to find out what is causing your KH to lower. Have you checked your PH readings lately as well? Is it staying steady, or is it fluctuating like the KH? When is the last time you opened some windows and let some fresh air into your house?