alk, meq/l? what is normal range?

[Liquidcfour]

what is normal (and good) range for alk (mesured in meq/l)?
thanks
-brandon

 

[corriewf]

what is normal (and good) range for alk (mesured in meq/l)?
thanks
-brandon

Most people keep theirs anywhere from 8 - 12 dkh.

 

[mogurnda]

I aim for 3.0 - 4.5 mEq/L.

 

[Liquidcfour]

is there a limit to how much alk u should have?
just cerious, cuz i'm trying to understand it a bit more

-brandon

 

[mogurnda]

You shouldn't go much above 4.5, because it will start precipitating your calcium. The basic idea is that you want the Ca around 400-450 ppm, and alkalinity 3-4.5 mEq/L to maximize skeletal deposition by corals and maintain pH. If the alkalinity is too low, the pH won't be stable; too high, the calcium turns to limestone.