I have a 90gal fowlr tank with 80 lbs of live rock. All my water parameters are good.
Ph-8.20
Ammonia-0ppm
Nitrate-0ppm
Nitrite-0ppm
SG-1.024 Alkalinity is high 2.9-3.6.
My question is this something I should be concerned with? If it is how should I go about getting it down?
Your alkalinity isn't that high. What is your calcium level? If the calcium is OK (~400 - 420 ppm), I wouldn't be too concerned w/ the alkalinity level.
Your alkalinity isn't high at all, assuming you are measuring in meq/L. In fact, you are well within the proper range. Where are you getting your recommended alkalinity readings?
I got it from the kit I am using Marine Aquariums test lab made by Red Sea. I just do a color titration and compare it to the card, it says it is in the high range. All the fish and shrimp are doing great!
I read too about different opinions how the range of alkalinity should be. Some suggest a low range and other a higher one that starts where the other ends.
Presumably, those different opinions come from the fact that natural seawater has a quite low alkalinity.
In the sea there won't be any problem as everything able to bring down the ph will be diluted by the sheer volume of the ocean.
In your tank that depends. As alkalinity is the buffer capacity to keep a ph stable it's not a problem if you don't have any agents that try to bring down your ph.
But if you have them (e.g. much CO2 in the air, much food in the tank) it's better to have an unnatural high alkalinity to have that buffer capacity.
Alkalinity is kind of a reserve. It depends on the tank if this is needed or not.
Right. Alkalinity values for natural seawater average around 2.5 meq/L, which is the minimum end. Because of the small water volume, closed-environment factors, and the fact that it increases calcification, an alkalinity above natural seawater is desirable.
