Dosing questions. Help lol

[totion]

So I was given a few additives and a two stage reactor for carbon/gfo. The pump on the reactor doesn't seem to pump much water when keeping it tuned as per brs's instructions so I'm not sure how effective it will be.

Anyways, my real question. I was given two part, iodine, and a couple other additives. I was also given some Kalk. I was using the Kalk in my top off water (gravity fed) and ended up cracking my top off jug. I'm going to replace the top off jugs with hdpe containers as I've read the can withstand the Kalk mixture.

If I am dosing Kalk is there any need for all the other additives, specifically the 2 part?

And if adding Kalk through my top off water, will I be able to cut back on water Changes? Currently doing a 20 percent change weekly. Between my skimmer, Chaeto, and the reactors my parameters have been good so the weekly water change isn't necessary, in my opinion, for nutrient export.

Kinda overwhelmed and appreciate any help/advice. The water changes were simple but I'd like to cut back to biweekly/monthly if I can.

If you need any specifics on my system let me know. Thank you.

 

[TheSaint216]

Not sure how big your tank is but with the weekly water changes there might not be any need for the rest of that stuff. Keep the two part and just test for what your numbers are while using the kalk. You want the GFO to tumble a little bit so if the pump isnt giving it enough umpf to do that you might need a new pump.

 

[totion]

The pump I'd fine for the gfo. It tumbles just like brs said to let it. But at that setting it's just not moving much water through it.

I'd like to get away from weekly water Changes if possible, and the only thing they are doing for me is replacing minerals at this point. I'll try testing for a week after the water change and seeing what my levels drop to. Then I'll do a week with the Kalk in the top off and check that, then maybe a week of the two part and check numbers there.

 

[totion]

Oh and total system volume is about 50 gallons. It's a 29 standard with 15 long sump and an attached 10 gallon frag tank. Running a reef octopus nwb 110 in the sump.

 

[backpack]

Where are all of your parameters at? How often do you test?

 

[totion]

i just got off work, ill test them when i get up for the day and the lights come on

 

[Reefing Madness]

GFO reactors don't run alot of water through them, very little, sounds like yours is right. It takes time for GFO to collect, it doesn't work as fast as carbon.