Starting AF Calc+Mag, KH, Reef mineral

Alfrareef · May 20, 2018

Hi there.
I have 2 questions.
1. I’ve been using FM Balling Light, already bought AF buckets and would like to start right away but still have some FM liquid in the containers. Can I fill (mix) with AF or should empty the containers and start with only AF?

2. Considering that now I have different dosing amounts for Ca,Mg and Alk and as I understand with AF the amount for the 3 containers it’s the same, what should be the recommended initial amount?

Anirban · May 20, 2018

Hey,

1. I will first finish off the FM and then move onto using AF line. Use only one dosing product line at a time.

2. For AF we prefer dosing equal amount of each component and it has been designed to do so by keeping the balance. The initial amount is basically titration based on your alkalinity level. You have to start your dosing a little low and then add on based on where you want your alkalinity to be stable. I would suggest before starting bring your Alk, Ca and Mg to the level you want by individual dosing then start dosing equal component.

Alfrareef · May 20, 2018

Anirban said:
Hey,

1. I will first finish off the FM and then move onto using AF line. Use only one dosing product line at a time.

2. For AF we prefer dosing equal amount of each component and it has been designed to do so by keeping the balance. The initial amount is basically titration based on your alkalinity level. You have to start your dosing a little low and then add on based on where you want your alkalinity to be stable. I would suggest before starting bring your Alk, Ca and Mg to the level you want by individual dosing then start dosing equal component.

Ok. Thks!

Alfrareef · Jul 9, 2018

So, after some weeks with AF dosing, I can say that I’m happy since haven’t had damages within my Acros, but still haven’t figured out how much Reef mineral salt to dose and could use some guidance...
I’m currently dosing (daily)
Ca+Mg 90 ml; Reef M Salt 180 ml; KH 360 ml.
with the following parameters:
KH 7-8; Ca 400=420; Mg 1400-1500.
Tank has roughly 100G.

Comments/Suggestions?

Anirban · Jul 9, 2018

Hey, are dosing these separately or as components 1+2+3+?

Alfrareef · Jul 9, 2018

I’m dosing separately.

Alfrareef · Jul 12, 2018

Anyone?
How much should be the dose for Reef mineral salt (RMS)?
I don’t know what’s inside RMS and I have no idea if it should follow with Ca, KH or any other value/relationship.

Alfrareef · Jul 14, 2018

@Aquaforest : help!

Anirban · Jul 14, 2018

Reef mineral salt is not meant to be dosed separately. Its a part of components and you need to add it to the components for balanced dosing or else it can create serious imbalance in the system.

Alfrareef · Jul 14, 2018

What?!? But I’ve followed AF instructions to the letter.
1st recipient with 50g/l Calcium+ 10g/l Magnesium
2nd recipient 25g/l Reef Mineral Salt
3th recipient 50g/l KH.

I’m dosing from all 3 recipients with the amounts I’ve stated at previous post and
My question is: Since I can’t mesure it, how much should I dose from 2nd recipient? (The Reef mineral salt)

Aquaforest · Jul 16, 2018

Hello,
All solutions should be dosing equal - Reef Mineral Salt also.

Please look at video expainig why:

How Reef Minerals Salt works?
https://aquaforest.eu/en/how-reef-mineral-salt-works/

https://aquaforest.eu/en/product/component-1-2-3/

If one or two parameters are still not balanced- we recommend to continue with administering equal doses of each component, and take advantage of one of our additives (Calcium, Magnesium, KH Buffer) to restore desired level(s).

Alfrareef · Jul 16, 2018

Aquaforest said:
Hello,
All solutions should be dosing equal - Reef Mineral Salt also.

Please look at video expainig why:

How Reef Minerals Salt works?
https://aquaforest.eu/en/how-reef-mineral-salt-works/

https://aquaforest.eu/en/product/component-1-2-3/

If one or two parameters are still not balanced- we recommend to continue with administering equal doses of each component, and take advantage of one of our additives (Calcium, Magnesium, KH Buffer) to restore desired level(s).

Great. Finally I can understand how to proceed. THANKS!!!

As per the daily dosing, I’m going to use Ca actual dosing amount as reference and adjust KH with KH buffer because when I used KH dosing as reference in 2 weeks Ca has passed 500! (Max value that test mesures

If needed I’ll return here because I’m really committed at using AF balling. Corals are ok, it’s easy to mix, and cost less than other methods. (already bought large buckets!!!)

Samandar · Sep 1, 2018

Hi,
In the three part recepy of Dr. Randy Holmes, the ratio between calcium part (147gr) and alkanity part (168 gr) is about 0.875. Whil in the AF procedure this ratio is 0625. So, why is there this deference? I think this is because of the calcium part in AF procedure which is based on the calcium chloride without H2O. Am I right?