Help with levels

[ViciousDlishus]

Recently have tested cal and alk in my 20 G qt. I have 3 monti cap frags 2 acros and 4 heads of lps (torch and hammer) so not a high coral load.

Results were 350 and 2.32

I'm using IO salt. Did 30% a water change and no effect on numbers. Might not have changed enough.

Looking at an article from Randy looks like I'm in borderline zone 3. Sounds like I'll need to dose cal to get back into zone 2 and then I'll be looking at kalk on an ongoing basis.

Is this the best course of action? Any recommendations on what product to use to increase cal. Will a larger water change bring my cal back using IO?

I'm planning on a gravity feed for my qt. My understanding is I'll need to do some trial and error to determine amount to mix into freah water top off. I then mix it in, let it settle and then top off as normal.

When I add more water do I add the same measure (previously determined) to the new water or will the residue at the bottom be enough? Do I just clean the bottom when it gets really bad?

 

[ihavecrabs]

Hey there,

If you are using IO, a large enough water change will increase you to a higher alkalinity and calcium reading, yes. You could also pick up some Kalkwasser (Calcium Hydroxide) and slow drip it into your tank. Kalk is nice because it is balanced already and very simple to add (so long as your uptake is not high and you don't add more than evaporation in your tank allows). BRS has a great youtube video on it.

I don't see water changes as an effective approach to dosing for corals though. It would be very hard to manage and keep alk/calc in alignment as well as stable over a period of time. That and I hate water changes

IO has been reported to mix at the following parameters:

Alk: 10-11dkh (3.6-3.8 meq/l)
Calc: 400ppm
Mg: 1350ppm​