Calcium and alkalinity

[fishmaster818]

Whats the difference between dosing part a and b and dosing calcium and alkalinity

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Not sure which part a and b you mean, but the difference between dosing a two part and just dosing calcium and alkalinity is that a two part, when used properly in equal amounts, does not skew other ions in the water, while simple dosing of calcium and alkalinity can allow sodium and chloride to rise and magnesium, potassium, and sulfate to drop. A two part typically has these other ions in it.

I discuss such issues here:

The Many Methods for Supplementing Calcium and Alkalinity - REEFEDITION

 

[fishmaster818]

Not sure which part a and b you mean, but the difference between dosing a two part and just dosing calcium and alkalinity is that a two part, when used properly in equal amounts, does not skew other ions in the water, while simple dosing of calcium and alkalinity can allow sodium and chloride to rise and magnesium, potassium, and sulfate to drop. A two part typically has these other ions in it.

I discuss such issues here:

The Many Methods for Supplementing Calcium and Alkalinity - REEFEDITION

Im using brightwelll reef code

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I can't be sure Chris Brightwell designed his two part correctly, but assuming he did, then the difference I mentioned above and in the article should be the case.

 

[fishmaster818]

I can't be sure Chris Brightwell designed his two part correctly, but assuming he did, then the difference I mentioned above and in the article should be the case.

But if i just want to raise calcium but not alk

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Then just the calcium part is not likely to be much better than simply using calcium chloride, but is also unlikely to be worse.

 

[fishmaster818]

Part a and b dosing

I am still confuse about a and b dosing. Im using reef code from brightwell. I do understand that you have to ad an equal amount of both but i dont know what to do if i need to raise just calcium.

 

[redfishbluefish]

In an ideal world you need to add equal amounts of A and B.....but our tanks aren't ideal. Different brands of salt have differing quanities of alk and calc, so you'd need to adjust the amount of A or B to get to were you wish to go.

 

[fishmaster818]

In an ideal world you need to add equal amounts of A and B.....but our tanks aren't ideal. Different brands of salt have differing quanities of alk and calc, so you'd need to adjust the amount of A or B to get to were you wish to go.

Can i add just a for calcium or will it not work unless i use both

 

[redfishbluefish]

Dose calc to bring it up to where you want it and then start dosing both (not necessarily same volumes) to maintain the levels you wish. Calc can be raised relatively quickly....alk, you need to do that slowly (no more than 1 dkh/day).

 

[fishmaster818]

Dose calc to bring it up to where you want it and then start dosing both (not necessarily same volumes) to maintain the levels you wish. Calc can be raised relatively quickly....alk, you need to do that slowly (no more than 1 dkh/day).

Okay my alk is where i want it. Will calcium raise if i dont dose both part and just dose a