Newbie question on 2 part dosing

[Todd A.]

I have what is probably a stupid question, but I can't seem to figure it out. I have a basic
FOWLR DT (with two zoa colonies & a Kenya Tree) and was wanting to add some coral but need some chemistry advise. My local LFS guy told me to test the calcium and dkh levels prior to adding any coral, and sold me a 2 part calcium buffer system. I tested my water: 8.1 ph, 1.025 sg, 9 dkh & approx. 420 ppm on the calcium. So as far as I can tell, everything is fine with my water, so should I start using the 2 part system, or wait to see if the calcium & dkh get below the required parameters?

 

[twilliard]

Yes wait till you see the demand. You can test daily to see the consumption.

 

[Todd A.]

Thanks, that's what I was figuring. My other concern is the accuracy of the test kits I have (API). Are these "good enough" for a tank with little coral life, or should I look into getting something better? I'd rather spend a few more bucks to be sure, than to kill off whatever coral get.

 

[twilliard]

API is good for "simple" tanks no need to get fancy

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I have what is probably a stupid question, but I can't seem to figure it out. I have a basic
FOWLR DT (with two zoa colonies & a Kenya Tree) and was wanting to add some coral but need some chemistry advise. My local LFS guy told me to test the calcium and dkh levels prior to adding any coral, and sold me a 2 part calcium buffer system. I tested my water: 8.1 ph, 1.025 sg, 9 dkh & approx. 420 ppm on the calcium. So as far as I can tell, everything is fine with my water, so should I start using the 2 part system, or wait to see if the calcium & dkh get below the required parameters?

Yes, everything is fine and you need not dose at the moment.