I want to Start Dosing

[Shep]

So after giving it a lot of though I have decided I want to give Alk/Calc dosing a try but have almost no idea where to start. Does anyone have a good guide on how to get started and also any recommendations on a good test kit?

 

[Watevadog5]

I just picked up a nice pre portioned kit from marine depot and like you have no idea where to start. As far as testing I use red sea reef foundation for cal/alk.mag and I use a ULR hanna checker for phospates. I still use my API for nitrates.

 

[jamie callard Verified Sponsor]

Need to know what your at and dose to get were you want to be.

 

[TheEngineer]

Here's a good place to start
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2002/11/chemistry

 

[Shep]

Awesome, great link!

 

[dagrinch65]

I'm also about to start dosing. I've been doing it manually so I know where I'm at and want to keep it consistent. My question is if I should run both the alk & cal line straight up to the display or if I should run the lines into the sump? I've been told different things by other reefers and would like to get a straight answer if possible. Thanks

 

[Pete polyp]

You will want to run the lines into the sump and dose each part at least 1 hour apart so it has time to mix in the system.

 

[dbl]

Agree with Pete...in the sump and spread out. Most tend to spread the dosage throughout the day for stability.

 

[Shep]

If your tank does not need a lot is it ok to do it manually or is it better to have an auto set up?

 

[dbl]

Regardless of what the tank needs, and you have the time and don't mind doing it manually, there is no need to automate...until you want to take a vacation! Or you get sick and really dont feel like messing with the tank. Then you have to train and trust someone to do it for you.

Automating my dosing is one of the nicest conveniences I've ever done. Once you figure out your daily needs and dial it in, you won't look back. You still have to check your parameters to make sure nothing has changed, but overall, the parameters become pretty solid.

 

[Shep]

Recommendations for a simple auto-doser?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

My first recommended step is to measure alkalinity and see if dosing would be useful.

 

[dbl]

I personally use a GHL doser. A lot of people recommend the BRS dosers and report high reliability. I can't remember if you have an Apex or not...if not, you can use a simple lamp timer with them. Hopefully others will chime in with more recommendations.

 

[TheEngineer]

My first recommended step is to measure alkalinity and see if dosing would be useful.

Can you expand on this? I had that article readily available because my alk is sinking slowly and I was considering dosing between water changes.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Can you expand on this? I had that article readily available because my alk is sinking slowly and I was considering dosing between water changes.

Dropping alk is what I'd look for. if it is not dropping, you also do not need to worry about monitoring calcium or magnesium.

Since it is dropping, I'd usually recommend starting with a two part additive system (DIY or commercial) to maintain alkalinity, and calcium and magnesium should follow along at about where they are in your salt mix.

 

[Shep]

Ok, so first think I will do is to test first to see if there is a point. Time to buy a decent test kit...

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Ok, so first think I will do is to test first to see if there is a point. Time to buy a decent test kit...

Sounds good.

Let us know what you find.