The key is stability and the ratios between these compounds rather than the absolute level. This desired level is 7.0-9.5, but there are some individuals that keep it even higher. For many of us, keeping alkalinity stable and slightly higher than the level in natural seawater has become the standard. Today, we not only measure calcium, but we also measure alkalinity and magnesium regularly, as well as many other macro and microelements. These levels are 7.0-9.0 for alkalinity, 400-470 for calcium and 1350-1450 for magnesium. However, over time it has been found that for most tanks there are levels where they all do best. At this time we often tried to have our levels of these compounds be exactly the same as ocean water. Looking back, this may have at least in part explained why most people thought sps corals grew extremely slowly and in many instances, failed to thrive. Never mind that evaporation rates varied by tank and season, we thought that that was all that was necessary. What was even more amazing is that at that time we thought that all of the calcium needed could be met if we simply used this kalkwasser as the replacement water for the water that had evaporated. Alkalinity was little understood, and we rarely tested for it. Initially, we all relied solely on kalkwasser (calcium hydroxide dissolved in water) to provide all the calcium that was needed for our corals. It was not until the relationship between alkalinity and calcium was explained in a series by Alf Nilsen in his magazine articles and books that their importance came to be understood. In the early 1980’s there was minimal understanding of how important these chemicals and their stability are to the success of a reef tank. When the big three are all in balance and stable the corals thrive. I have used both methods successfully and have found that there are pros and cons to both. I have two friends that run large aquaculture facilities and one swears that the only way to success is via dosing these chemicals while the other claims that anyone not using a calcium reactor is doomed to failure. However, as with so many things just how this should be done stirs debate. That is everyone agrees that it needs to be added and that their levels need to be stable. But one of the few that isn’t is the need to manage the big three: Calcium Alkalinity and Magnesium. There are many aspects of the hobby that for one reason or another are controversial.
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