Alkalinity in marine aquariums (dKH)
The buffer capacity of sea water. Corals consume carbonates to build their skeleton. Critical parameter in the reef.
Detailed explanation
Target: 7-9 dKH. Stability is more important than absolute value. Oscillations greater than 0.5 dKH/day stress the SPS.
The dosage is done with Balling, calcium reactor or kalkwasser. Hanna Checker is the most precise and rapid test.
Reference values by aquarium type
| Aquarium type | Recommended range |
|---|---|
| Marine (reef) | 7 - 9 dKHNSW: 7.0 dKH |
How it is measured
Hanna Checker for alkalinity or Salifert drop test.
What happens when it is too low
Slow coral growth. Unstable pH.
What happens when it is too high
Risk of calcium precipitation.
Coralia Lab monitors this parameter with AI diagnostics. Tank Score alerts you when a value moves outside the recommended range for your aquarium.
Try ICP analysis with AI for free