Maintaining alkalinity in nano tank

LPS, SPS and all coral chat
creekmaster
Posts: 2
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 6:51 pm

Maintaining alkalinity in nano tank

Post by creekmaster »

My alkalinity keeps dropping in my 10-gallon nano tank. I'm dosing kalkwasser but it's not cutting it. Anyone got tips for keeping it stable without messing with pH too much?
User avatar
reelmaster
Posts: 12
Joined: Sun Jul 03, 2022 4:18 pm

Re: Maintaining alkalinity in nano tank

Post by reelmaster »

What's your current alk level, and how often are you testing? In nanos, small changes hit hard. I'd switch to a two-part dosing system like B-Ionic for better control.
vimster
Posts: 20
Joined: Mon Sep 25, 2023 12:04 am

Re: Maintaining alkalinity in nano tank

Post by vimster »

creekmaster wrote: Wed Aug 13, 2025 3:25 pm My alkalinity keeps dropping in my 10-gallon nano tank. I'm dosing kalkwasser but it's not cutting it. Anyone got tips for keeping it stable without messing with pH too much?
Kalk can be tricky in small tanks. Have you checked your magnesium levels? Low mag can make alk bounce around. Also, what's your coral load like?
lad
Posts: 11
Joined: Sat Feb 17, 2024 11:11 pm

Re: Maintaining alkalinity in nano tank

Post by lad »

I had the same issue in my 15-gallon. Switched to daily water changes with Red Sea Coral Pro salt, and it leveled out. Maybe try that?
Fable4
Posts: 2
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 7:38 pm

Re: Maintaining alkalinity in nano tank

Post by Fable4 »

Yo, nanos are finicky beasts. I'd ditch the kalk and go for a steady two-part. Also, check your dosing pump if you're using one—sometimes they're sketchy with small volumes.
User avatar
blumina
Posts: 7
Joined: Fri May 26, 2023 8:54 am

Re: Maintaining alkalinity in nano tank

Post by blumina »

I'm new to this, but my LFS told me to use Seachem Reef Builder. It's been working okay, but my tank's only got soft corals.
User avatar
neonwing
Posts: 10
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 3:44 am

Re: Maintaining alkalinity in nano tank

Post by neonwing »

lad wrote: Wed Aug 13, 2025 6:44 pm I had the same issue in my 15-gallon. Switched to daily water changes with Red Sea Coral Pro salt, and it leveled out. Maybe try that?
Daily changes sound like a hassle, mate. I'd rather dose than mess with that much water.
creekmaster
Posts: 2
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 6:51 pm

Re: Maintaining alkalinity in nano tank

Post by creekmaster »

Thanks for the suggestions, everyone. I'll test mag and look into two-part dosing. Appreciate the help.
User avatar
reelmaster
Posts: 12
Joined: Sun Jul 03, 2022 4:18 pm

Re: Maintaining alkalinity in nano tank

Post by reelmaster »

Let us know how it goes. And yeah, mag is key—keep it around 1350 ppm for stability.
vimster
Posts: 20
Joined: Mon Sep 25, 2023 12:04 am

Re: Maintaining alkalinity in nano tank

Post by vimster »

Also, if you're running a skimmer, dial it back a bit. Over-skimming can strip alk faster than you can replace it.
Post Reply