Hey guys I bought the red sea reef foundation ABC powder. I also tested my water parameters calcium and magnesium using the reef foundation test kit. My question is all of my parameters seem to be where they need to. So if I never dosed anything is this normal? And should I still dose the reef foundation ABC?
Red sea reef foundation powder?
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Breadman03
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You will only need to dose if your tests show you need it. It's time for you to establish a log so that you can see your tank's consumption. It's quite possible that your regular water changes will keep up with your demand for a while.
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Well, it may be "normal", assuming you're doing regular water changes, that you do not need to dose...at least for now. Eventually though, as your corals start to grow (assuming you have corals) you'll likely need to suppliment/dose to maintain parameters.
Your goal should be to understand what your system is consuming over a given period of time. Do a full set of tests for each parameter (alk, Calc and Mag at least) on day one. Three or so days later, do another set of tests. The difference, if any, will let you know how much your system consumed over that timeframe. Divide that by the number of days and you have your daily consumption.
At that point you will know how much you need to dose daily to maintain the given parameter.
So let's assume your consumption is minimal at the stage you're at now, doing a water change may very bring things back to your desired level (or at least within an acceptable range) without having to dose.
In no circumstance should you dose anything you can't test for. That's my $.02 anyway.
Your goal should be to understand what your system is consuming over a given period of time. Do a full set of tests for each parameter (alk, Calc and Mag at least) on day one. Three or so days later, do another set of tests. The difference, if any, will let you know how much your system consumed over that timeframe. Divide that by the number of days and you have your daily consumption.
At that point you will know how much you need to dose daily to maintain the given parameter.
So let's assume your consumption is minimal at the stage you're at now, doing a water change may very bring things back to your desired level (or at least within an acceptable range) without having to dose.
In no circumstance should you dose anything you can't test for. That's my $.02 anyway.
