Question about 2 part Dosing

[BrandonA702]

I have a question regarding two part. I recently added my first corals to my system and my Alk (8) is staying where I want it with weekly water changes, however, I noticed this morning my Cal dropped to 380ppm. I try to keep it at 440ppm. I added the recommended amount of Part A (Cal, Mag, Stro mix) to equal out to 440ppm (I'm waiting 4 hours to retest), but I'd like to know if that is ok to do without adding the Part B (Alk)? I don't want to raise my Alk much higher. I am using Continnum Reef Sculpture until it runs out. TIA

 

[hotashes]

Just test your magnesium as if this falls outside recommended then the Alk,Cal balance goes off.

A.

 

[BrandonA702]

Just test your magnesium as if this falls outside recommended then the Alk,Cal balance goes off.

A.

The Part A has magnesium in it as well so I did not test it just yet.

 

[hotashes]

To be honest with so many variations of dosing it’s not as easy to explain.

My experience is with @Randy Holmes-Farley 2 part which I dose in equal amounts currently 10ml/day Alk & 10ml/day Cal and I manually dose Mag as and when needed. From this recipe I know that if my Alk or Cal seem higher/lower than ‘My tanks’ normal then I first check the Mag before I action anything.

From my understanding if Mag is not stable then Alk or Cal will not balance. Also when Mag is increased/decreased it will effect Calcium level.

So, test Mag and go from there.

A.

 

[BrandonA702]

To be honest with so many variations of dosing it’s not as easy to explain.

My experience is with @Randy Holmes-Farley 2 part which I dose in equal amounts currently 10ml/day Alk & 10ml/day Cal and I manually dose Mag as and when needed. From this recipe I know that if my Alk or Cal seem higher/lower than ‘My tanks’ normal then I first check the Mag before I action anything.

From my understanding if Mag is not stable then Alk or Cal will not balance. Also when Mag is increased/decreased it will effect Calcium level.

So, test Mag and go from there.

A.

Ok I just tested Mag and it reads approx. 1275 per Salifert Test, Cal is now 460 and Alk is 8.5.. Do you think I should raise the mag at all or just leave it there. I am leaning on leaving it.
As I stated my Part A does have mag in it. I do have some pure magnesium as well that I could add.

 

[ckalupa]

Really have to look at the instructions for the CA/ALK/MG products you are using. The Randy/BRS 2-part is meant to be dosed 1-1 which is different than some others. The Red Sea AB is NOT dosed 1 for 1. In fact with testing I find I usually do not even come close to their “suggested” starting points but they also note that if you are testing - follow that. ALso include their 4-part “Trace colors” items.

The Continuum website says:

“For best results, measure the calcium concentration and add as required to maintain the concentration between 410 and 450 mg/L (ppm).“

So no need to be 1 for 1 with the alk.

.

 

[BrandonA702]

Really have to look at the instructions for the CA/ALK/MG products you are using. The Randy/BRS 2-part is meant to be dosed 1-1 which is different than some others. The Red Sea AB is NOT dosed 1 for 1. In fact with testing I find I usually do not even come close to their “suggested” starting points but they also note that if you are testing - follow that. ALso include their 4-part “Trace colors” items.

The Continuum website says:

“For best results, measure the calcium concentration and add as required to maintain the concentration between 410 and 450 mg/L (ppm).“

So no need to be 1 for 1 with the alk.

.

Ok thank you, that is what I was wondering. I believe I have everything where it needs to be now. Added a little bit of put Mag to get that number up a little bit, Cal and Alk are now acceptable. Thank you all.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I have a question regarding two part. I recently added my first corals to my system and my Alk (8) is staying where I want it with weekly water changes, however, I noticed this morning my Cal dropped to 380ppm. I try to keep it at 440ppm. I added the recommended amount of Part A (Cal, Mag, Stro mix) to equal out to 440ppm (I'm waiting 4 hours to retest), but I'd like to know if that is ok to do without adding the Part B (Alk)? I don't want to raise my Alk much higher. I am using Continnum Reef Sculpture until it runs out. TIA

It's fine to do, but do not do it daily. You will just be chasing the test kit uncertainty.