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Maintaining alkalinity in nano tank
Posted: Wed Aug 13, 2025 3:25 pm
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?
Re: Maintaining alkalinity in nano tank
Posted: Wed Aug 13, 2025 4:58 pm
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.
Re: Maintaining alkalinity in nano tank
Posted: Wed Aug 13, 2025 6:15 pm
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?
Re: Maintaining alkalinity in nano tank
Posted: Wed Aug 13, 2025 6:44 pm
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?
Re: Maintaining alkalinity in nano tank
Posted: Wed Aug 13, 2025 7:42 pm
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.
Re: Maintaining alkalinity in nano tank
Posted: Wed Aug 13, 2025 9:31 pm
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.
Re: Maintaining alkalinity in nano tank
Posted: Wed Aug 13, 2025 11:20 pm
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.
Re: Maintaining alkalinity in nano tank
Posted: Wed Aug 13, 2025 11:31 pm
by creekmaster
Thanks for the suggestions, everyone. I'll test mag and look into two-part dosing. Appreciate the help.
Re: Maintaining alkalinity in nano tank
Posted: Thu Aug 14, 2025 1:24 am
by reelmaster
Let us know how it goes. And yeah, mag is key—keep it around 1350 ppm for stability.
Re: Maintaining alkalinity in nano tank
Posted: Thu Aug 14, 2025 2:08 am
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.