All Sorts of Dosing Questions
by
, 02-15-2015 at 06:31 PM (12519 Views)
Marc and any of you that can help,
I have been dosing for about a year now using 2part, and dosing alk and cal unevenly. I seem to be dosing much more alk...I dose about 2.5oz of alk daily, and maybe dose calcium once per week if even that. It seems my alk drops daily where calcium drops at a much slower rate. Would you suggest I begin dosing in equal volumes of alk and cal daily? Would I then dose 2.5oz alk and 2.5 cal? I didn't dose in equal amounts as I believed this would increase my calcium to an undesirable high level. I maintain my alk at 8dkh and cal at 440ppm. Also, if the calcium were to become too high, what method is advised to reduce it? Water changes? And if so, how big of a water change would you advise (e.g. percent of tank volume - I have a 75 gallon reef)?
I've also heard that you shouldn't dose alk and cal at different times. I dose manually currently. If I were to dose alk and cal in equal volumes, would it be advised to dose at the same time or how much time needs to pass after you dose one before you can dose the other?
I recently got the BRS kalkwasser package (I've been using BRS 2 part). I have been considering using kalk due to the benefits; raise ph, easier to dose, etc.. I plan to put it in my 5 gal ATO and let the evaporation rate dose for me (my evaporation rate is pretty consistent). Based on my current dosing amount of 2 part, how much kalk should I place in my ATO reservoir per gallon to begin with? What is the recommended amount of kalk per gallon in an ATO for people just beginning to dose kalk? And finally, what is the recommended way to mix the kalk powder in the water reservoir? I understand that one dose not want to dose the powder on the bottom of the reservoir after mixing, so is it recommended to put the dosing tube just a little above the powder residue? And when dosing kalk using the ATO method, is it necessary to stir the ATO water every few days or so?
Haha I'm sorry for all the questions. I just want to make sure I am dosing correctly with my 2part and begin dosing kalk the right way if I go that route. I've had this reef for over 3 years now with some corals growin significantly and others not making it. I don't think my parameters have ever been consistent, and just recently after beginning dosing more often, my corals have begun to grow/encrust. I want to not just understand what to do regarding dosing, but why things must be a certain way, and to get on the right path so my corals continue to grow and thrive.
Thank you so much for all your help! It is greatly appreciated - Dustin