Time to start dosing?

[erikjphillips]

I finally picked up a calcium test kit and big shock, my calcium was low (380). i changed 10 gallons out and added 5 more to increase the volume a little. i have a 75 DT with a 30 sump that now has about 20 gals in it so about 90-95gal total volume. after i added the new water my Cal went up to 420, i do weekly water changes and have not had any issues as of yet. i have a mixed reef with SPS, Zoas and some LPS. should i start looking into a 2 part system or do you guys think my weekly water changes of 10 gals will be enough. Using reef crystals.

 

[MyReefToYours]

I would suggest checking calc, alk, and mag daily for a bit and see if water changes alone will keep your numbers up, if not you may need to consider dosing.

 

[wysiwyg]

I would suggest checking calc, alk, and mag daily for a bit and see if water changes alone will keep your numbers up, if not you may need to consider dosing.

+1 on this

 

[Alkamist]

what was said above sounds like good advice, and if you do need to start dosing i would suggest you use ESV two part.

 

[erikjphillips]

i was thinking about the BRS 2 part, seems like pretty good bang for your buck

 

[Reefer Addict]

i was thinking about the BRS 2 part, seems like pretty good bang for your buck

I use BRS 2 part and love it.

 

[AZDesertRat]

DO NOT dose anything until you do some regular testing as suggested already. You need to establish a baseline and determine what your demands are. I use a calcium reactor on most of my systems but if I need to dose I use the BRS 3 part plus Epsom sals for the other magnesium component.

 

[Steelerfan747]

i was thinking about the BRS 2 part, seems like pretty good bang for your buck

I use brs 2 part and it works great for me, I also run it on their dosers which also work great

 

[AZDesertRat]

You need the 3 part as magnesium is a critical part also. Make sure you dose both types of magnesium too.

 

[erikjphillips]

I'm going to be doing alot of testing/tracking before i consider dosing. adding anything to my tank other than food makes me a little nervous. if i can keep the levels up with larger water changes i dont mind for a while. Thanks for all the input

 

[Chameleon]

I would start with kalkwasser in your top off before i started dosing if i were you. its cheap and great for your system. just start with a low amount 1/2tsp per gallon or less.