Moving to DIY mixes

[brucey]

Ok, so this is a minefield for me and hoping someone’s already gone from pre-mixed core elements to DIY dosing for the 3 core elements and can offer some advice.
Why am I moving? Cost! I’m spending circa £100 a month on the Red Sea liquid. I’m not very technical but writings on the wall.

I run a heavy zoa and SPS tank and I want to make the switch, gradually if need be so I don’t lose any corals.

I’ve bought all the core ingredients to go DIY but a little nervous as to how and when to make the move.
Should it be phased in some way rather than as and when my Red Sea supplies run out?
How do I manage stability - Do I copy the dose amounts I’m doing now and test like crazy?
help! Generally confused.
Here’s a pic of the current tank

 

[CoralB]

.not sure how much it would make a difference but when in doubt add new formula proportionately starting with small percentage and increasing gradually .

 

[brucey]

.not sure how much it would make a difference but when in doubt add new formula proportionately starting with small percentage and increasing gradually .

Do you mean to mix it with the existing Red Sea liquids? Not sure I follow?

spending £50 means I’ve got enough of the pure raw materials to last a year

 

[CoralB]

Do you mean to mix it with the existing Red Sea liquids? Not sure I follow?

spending £50 means I’ve got enough of the pure raw materials to last a year

Not necessarily as that would make it more difficult. Just start by using 90 % of what you usually use of the Red Sea and dose then add 10% then the next time you dose make it 80/20 , then the next time 70/30 and so on till you’ve transitioned over to 100. % of your new dyi mixture . I’m not sure if you can’t just stop the Red Sea all at once and start with the dyi mixture but any transition I’ve made over the years , I’ve done so slowly and steady . Even when changing foods with fish and coral . Hope this helps you .