Porites Engine

High confidence

Alkalinity provides the carbonate ions essential for skeletal deposition in scleractinian corals. SPS species, particularly Acropora and Montipora, show near-linear calcification responses across the 7–12 dKH range, with optimal rates typically between 8.5–10 dKH under stable temperature and light. Beyond 11–12 dKH, some SPS species exhibit calcification inhibition and tissue recession — likely due to altered carbonate chemistry at the calicoblastic epithelium. Sustained elevated alkalinity without proportional calcium and magnesium support can also trigger precipitation events, destabilising the tank's ionic balance.