dosing questions

[Derek'sReef]

Ok I have a 90 gallon mixed reef with plenty of coral. Sps, lps and some softies. My calcium level drops 20ppm a day but my kh does not drop at all. Should I just dose calcium. Newbie question maybe but im confused. Im wanting to dose 2 part but thinking of going with kalk. Please help.

 

[Tahoe61]

Welcome. :wave:

We will need actual numbers for Calcium, Alkalinity and Magnesium. If your Magnesium level is not stable the other values for Ca and Alk will be out of whack as well.

What test kit are you using?

 

[Derek'sReef]

Ok I went cheap when I started. I used the api master test kit. I was dosing equal amounts of esv calcium and alk but when I ran out I went cheap and went to a store and bought a calcium additive for because my alk wasn't dropping.

Currently.
Cal. 440
alk 10

Api test kit but just ran out of calcium test kit.
going to buy red sea test kit probably this weekend. Test kit might be old. But my alk has never dropped.

 

[Tahoe61]

Alkalinity usually drops at a faster rate this is why I would make sure to get a magnesium and a better test kit before proceeding. With a 90 gallon and stony corals you'll probably end up going with a BRS two part system and dosing pumps. Check out the links below.

Calcium and Alkalinity Additives - Bulk Reef Supply

For your water chemistry. It's a good read but needs review a couple times a year (well for me anyway)

Reef Aquarium Water Parameters by Randy Holmes-Farley - Reefkeeping.com

 

[Pete polyp]

I'm betting your mag is low and not allowing the water to hold much calcium.

 

[Derek'sReef]

Im going to get the red sea cal alk and mag test kits but it might not be until next week

 

[Tahoe61]

If you're concerned just do a water change to get you through to next week.

 

[ChaliceLove]

Def need to test throughout the day and get a doser involved

 

[Derek'sReef]

Im going to buy some test kits and some magnesium if I need it but should I do 3 part or should I do kalk and some magnesium supplemented when needed. Whats your thoughts and opinions. And could someone give me some info on calcium reactors because I will be upgrading to a 180 within a year and I want lots of corals. So I want to start doing what im going to be doing on the 180 now. Does that make sense. Im going to invest in the right equipment and test kits this time around. Rookie mistake