Help with dosing

[Rhys s]

hi people
I'm trying to get to grips with 2 part dosjng but struggling to get consistent reading for my alk.
Is there any tips or tricks to getting the testing right im currently using the salifert titration test kits
Any help will be Greatly appreciated

 

[Saltyreef]

Before dosing you want to test at the same time each day for 5 days and record.
Preferably alk and calcium together.

The level should be dropping slightly each day.
Average out the amount lost over the 5 days and that will be your daily consumption rate.

Youll want to use a calculator like this to help you figure out how much to dose back in daily:

Reef Chemistry Calculator

If your levels dont drop much or at all in 5 days. You may want to just consider water changes every 5 days to replenish any lost elements vs 2 part dosing.

 

[Rhys s]

OK maybe the time thing is the issue I have found that my alk is depleted a heck of a lot quicker than calcium though from like 480 to 450 within 2 weeks

 

[Saltyreef]

Youll notice some wonky numbers until you get things stable.
Calcium and alk will eventually be dosed in equal parts.
Also mag needs to stay consistant.

 

[Saltyreef]

Youll also want to really hone in on what you want as far as numbers.
I like to keep my alk around 8. Balanced calcium is arund 415 to this so if my cal numbers were 480 id naturally let them fall until its in range around 415. Once you balance out the alk and calcium it will be much easier keeping things stable.

 

[Rhys s]

OK thanks maybe I need to change salt the red sea coral pro is quite high in elements

 

[Saltyreef]

I agree. I used to use coral pro too until i saw better results using blue bucket.
Closer to natural sea water.