Kalk and Alk?
 

Hey guys, I have a 30g modified breeder tank. There are about 30 corals consisting of mainly SPS and zoanthids. I have around 15 SPS (mainly frags), 2 Clams (Crocea and Maxima both around 4-5"), and 1 Plate coral; the rest are zoas.

Have a few questions:
1. Will Kalkwasser affect Alkalinity (raise or lower)?
2. Will Kalkwasser maintain Mg as well as Ca?
3. I'm adding around 1tsp Ca and 1/3 tsp Mg everyday with no ill effects (both are powder by Tropic Marin). Do I still keep adding as much while using Kalkwasser?
4. If I use Kalkwasser, then is using it in top-off at the minimum dosage everyday too much?

I do weekly 7 gallon water changes; my Alk is 9.6-10.0 dKH, and my Calc is 390-400ppm (fluctuation depends on how long in the week it is for both) and Mg is around 1150 now (I'm slowly raising it until I am in the upper 1200's). I use Salifert test kits for all three.

Also, if Alkalinity is too high, is there a safe way to lower it besides WC's? Thanks!

Limewater supplements both calcium and alkalinity. Depending on how much you add and the demand, there my be no need for additional calcium or alkalinity. I use it for all top off.

Limewater adds no magnesium.

How high is alkalinity? Normally waiting is the best way to allow it to drop, unless it is super high.

Sounds good; thanks Randy. :) Alkalinity is about 9.8 dKH.

You're welcome. That alk sounds perfect.

Good luck. :)

Thanks again; everything seems to be growing well. It's the first time I've ever tried SPS, and to be honest, when I had my softies and LPS tank, I just did weekly water changes and hardly checked anything (probably a bad idea but it worked). :)