and if you think your test kit is correct and youve had 7dkh for years (like me) then its not the low alk. MANY MANY successful stony keepers keep their alk at 7/8. In fact Ive had my alk drop to 5-5.5 without a massive STN event...did lose a couple (namely my oregon tort) but not an entire collection. Even if it drops to 6s youd be fine if you were starting form 7dkh. If you were starting at 10? then go to 5...Buuuuhbye stonies