Dosing more cal than alk

[Travis Stewart]

Is this normal? I am dosing BRS 2 part and have been dosing more calcium than alk to keep levels consistent.

 

[Travis Stewart]

Bump

 

[Neil Fox]

That is pretty normal. I often do the same. This can be more pronounce if your MG is out of whack.

 

[Travis Stewart]

I have been keepin a close eye on it. It stays pretty close to 1350. So it's still normal to dose more of one than the other?

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

Double check the test results. It actually should be an even usage of cal/alk. Minor test error is common.

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2002/11/chemistry

 

[Neil Fox]

I would say it isn't a problem at all. The manufacturers try to balance the chemicals so they will be used at the same rate but this isn't always the case. In my 40g I usually dose about 16ml of ME Corals Alk and 20ml Ca per day. That keeps my DKH near 7 and Ca around 400 to 420 or so. Good thing you are testing frequently. These numbers can change sometimes.

 

[Travis Stewart]

I have been checking every other day or so since I just recently added a doser.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Is this normal? I am dosing BRS 2 part and have been dosing more calcium than alk to keep levels consistent.

How much more?

Usually, substantially off equal dosing is because the salt mix used for water changes does not match the tank values (or the target values).

 

[Travis Stewart]

How much more?

Usually, substantially off equal dosing is because the salt mix used for water changes does not match the tank values (or the target values).

7ml more cal

 

[Neil Fox]

How much more?

Usually, substantially off equal dosing is because the salt mix used for water changes does not match the tank values (or the target values).

That makes sense. I use plain old Instant Ocean, the Ca is generally lower and Higher Alk than I like. Would you recommend dosing into the make up water?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

That makes sense. I use plain old Instant Ocean, the Ca is generally lower and Higher Alk than I like. Would you recommend dosing into the make up water?

That would explain it, and you can dose more daily, or boost the new salt water. Neither is really preferred over the other.

 

[GoVols]

That would explain it, and you can dose more daily, or boost the new salt water. Neither is really preferred over the other.

+1
I've done it both ways with IO.
Now, I just make my water change and bump up the cal in my display after a few hours of circulation.