So I have calibrated my dosing pump and everything is set up. I want to run calcium at 430 alk at 9 and mag at 1350. I have been testing my water everyday and still can’t get it dialed in. My calcium ranges from 430 to 445 and alk is at 8.7 most days and I thought it was going well with what I have been dosing because for a week it was 8.7 but today it dropped to 8.2. Mag usually stays around 1350 really may only have to dose a little bit once a week. How do you all test to get your numbers where they should be? I know I should not be chasing numbers but it is killing me I can’t get this dosing down. I hate checking water everyday to make sure it is in range.
Dosing Help
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Auquanut
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Sounds like you're doing pretty well. I generally test about twice a week. I'm mostly looking for trends (Alk and/or Cal rising or falling over time). I try to keep my Alk at about 9.5ish and Cal around 420 to 440. You're going to get some fluctuation. As Alk and Cal consumption rise, I make adjustments to my doser accordingly. Don't sweat the minor fluctuations too much. Watch for the trends. You'll never get your doser dialed in to a "set it and forget it" mode.
One thing I have learned is that if I start seeing a reduction in Alc consumption over time, I take it as a sign that my corals are less than happy. Then I get concerned and pay more attention to the possible cause.
One thing I have learned is that if I start seeing a reduction in Alc consumption over time, I take it as a sign that my corals are less than happy. Then I get concerned and pay more attention to the possible cause.
W1ngz
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You sound ok to me. 430-445 is within the testing error for most tests I think. One day of a bad alk reading could just be the test. You know your dosing isn't right when you notice consistent increases or decreases over several days, not just from one day to the next.
If you're maintaining stable levels and want things a touch higher, then a small correction to bump it up should do exactly what you need it to. I usually use this to figure out small correction doses.
If you're maintaining stable levels and want things a touch higher, then a small correction to bump it up should do exactly what you need it to. I usually use this to figure out small correction doses.
