Dkh / Calcium Level

[elliot]

Hi,

I have been running a Dkh of 11/12 and Calcium of 440-450.

I have to say over the last two months that the colours have been greatly improved. (As has the Ph day -> night stabiliity)

Is it wise to remain this high? To me it seems ideal... although I belive it can lead to brittle skeleton.

My tank is acro/monti only so perhpas its not too unreasonable?

elliot

[Gubs]

Do you know the reason behind the brittle skeleton? I am interested in the biology behind it. I too have read about brittle skeletons, but that was in reference to lights that were too bright and insufficient something-or-other. Could have been insufficient magnesium actually. Or was it iodine. Can't remember...

Anyway, not sure if brittle corals are a problem. Unless you're like me and keep breaking them :blush: Are we talking brittle as in breaking under their own weight? That could be a problem (e.g. in your tank Elliot)

I've noticed the biggest determinent of my colours is directly related to stability of everything, including how many times I put my hands in the tank and replumb everything. :)

Does anyone know any problems of elevated alk levels? I am hooking up my calc reactor in the next few days and would like to see how much truth there is in high sustained alk levels contributing to colour, but don't want to push it too far.

G