2 Parts Dosing Schedule Question.

[Berlibee]

Hello,

Could you please tell me, what is the best way dosing 2 parts, for example I need to dose 4 ml each daily. Is it better to do way A. or B.

A. 4 ml. in one hour + 4 ml. in the next hour.
B. by 0.2 ml. by small doses during full 24H of the day.

Thank you.

 

[redfishbluefish]

There are some who dose alk at night, with pH slightly dropping from CO2 no longer being removed by photosynthesis.

With your comment about 0.2 ml over 24 hours, I'm going to assume you have a controller and dosing pumps (or dosing pumps that have their own internal controller). If that is the case, I would do multiple dosing. I think I'd do more than 0.2 because of the chance of slight volume changes with each dose. I think I'd do four doses of 1 ml each.

As far as when, as mentioned, alk might help if you are seeing a pH drop at night. Otherwise, I don't think it really matters. I personally dose both alk and calc at night, with each separated to their own times.

As far as who's first....it doesn't matter. What is important is that both aren't dosed in the same immediate area at the same time....you will get precipitation. Also dose in a high flow area. I dose right into my return section of the sump. If you do wish to dose both at the same time, just pick two different locations....maybe one in the sump and the other in the DT.

Hope this helps.

 

[Berlibee]

Thank you for the detailed answer. Why I'm asking is that I was dosing during the night before as you've said in the lower point of Ph when lights are OFF. But then I though that alkalinity is dropping during the day and I'll bring it back in that case, so why not divide the dosing and dose it during the day and keep it more stable. But I think I will change change it back to night dosing. Thank you again @redfishbluefish

 

[McMullen]

@redfishbluefish for the win!!!

Agree dose at least a ml per dosing. Without knowing your lighting schedule either start the 1st split dose at 2000 or 2200. Divide so the last dose is around 0800 or 1000, again depending on lighting schedule.

That being said I have such large dosing requirements now that I dose all throughout the day. The goal is to avoid large swings in alk, thus multiple dosing.

 

[Berlibee]

Sounds good, I'll try it too. Thank you.

 

[redfishbluefish]

I'm not sure if it would matter. Do you want stability in you alk level throughout the day or stability in the pH? What one is more critical? I don't have an answer.

 

[McMullen]

Your numbers will flux and swing all throughout the day. Pick a time to check Alk, say 1800 and only check at that time. Then target a narrow range, say 8.7-9.2.

Please no comments on my range. Every tank has a sweet spot.

 

[Myka]

For only 4 mL, I wouldn't split it.

 

[McMullen]

Dripping 4ml into sump before the display, agree really don't need to split, but if nano size tank straight into display I think I would.

But at 4ml...may not be worth the dosing hassle. Really, I think it's just setting up good practice as dosing needs increase.

 

[Berlibee]

I've decided to try this thanks again!

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I'm not sure if it would matter. Do you want stability in you alk level throughout the day or stability in the pH? What one is more critical? I don't have an answer.

I agree, I don't either.