Two-Part Question
- Thread starter JSB
- Start date
- Tagged users None
beaslbob
2500 Club Member
brahm
Active Member
I used to dose separately for some time. When I would test i would notice a bigger draw in calcium then alkanlity.. However over time I've changed my views on what my tank needs. I now dose only for ideal alk and adjust my calcium at a 1:1 ratio with my alk. As long as my calcium is between say 340-480 I really don't care where it is. In the past 6 months or so I've had my alk demand range before 30ml and 80ml. I've only once had my calcium spike out of range and that was due to a change in salt. Whenever I find my alk drops, and I need to manually dose I add equal parts calcium. Seems to get the job done.
firefightered
Active Member
I switched from IO to RC about a year ago. This brought my perimeters where they need to be. In the past 6 months or so its been a pain to keep my ALK above 7dkh. If I try to dose equal parts of alk (Baked baking soda) and cal (BRS 2 part stuff) my cal. goes way up. My cal pretty much stays at 420-460 all the time without adding anything. I try to do a 10 percent water change every week. My problem is I cann't dose 20ml alk(that is what it has been taking) everyday because of my work schedule (48 on 48 off) My son trys to keep this up butttttt. I realy can not afford a auto doser at this point but plan to get one ASAP. Is there any other suggestions that may help my situation?
Dave3112
2500 Club Member
You can try regular baking soda. not baked. I know that sounds crazy but my tank went through this last year and I couldn't keep my alk up with soda ash (baked baking soda) I could only keep it stable and raise it with baking soda (not baked). It makes no sense chemically but it's what I experienced in my tank.
firefightered
Active Member
Thanks Dave I'll give it a try. What could it hurt right?
H@rry
Troll
How are you mixing your soda ash and calcium chloride concentrates? When I dosed 2 part (actually 3 part sometimes) I gave up trying to dose equal amounts. I tested for each parameter and dosed it based on what I found. It would seesaw around a little bit but I had the same problem you're having if I tried to stick with equal parts in order to raise the one that was low.
Being the DIY guy you are, just build a calcium reactor, get it dialed in, and forget it. You can build one for $15 - $20 in material from Home Depot. Your biggest expense would be the CO2 tank and regulator but keep an eye on craigslist or eBay for that.
Being the DIY guy you are, just build a calcium reactor, get it dialed in, and forget it. You can build one for $15 - $20 in material from Home Depot. Your biggest expense would be the CO2 tank and regulator but keep an eye on craigslist or eBay for that.
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OP
OP
JSB
Usually Confused
I got my params back in line and now intend to measure daily to see which goes where, then adjust accordingly. I would not mind a calc reactor, but not sure if I have the room in my stand. I already have a CO2 bottle (3 actually) and a regulator from my home brewing, but I would have to drink a keg of beer to free it up. Wow. This is sounding better all the time.:bigsmile:
firefightered
Active Member
The cal reactor sounds like a good idea but.... does that have anything to do with my ALK dropping? My cal always stays pretty good. I very seldum have to add anything for cal............
Tomoko Schum
Valuable Member
A calcium reactor adds both carbonate/alkalinity and calcium at an equal proportion. It's easy to use, but you still need to monitor your alkalinity periodically. My regulator and a needle valve work great, but my valve on the discharge line of the reactor tends to clog a bit with calcium carbonate over time, slowing down the efluent.
OP
OP
JSB
Usually Confused
I will be sure to. Do you know of any online plans for a simple reactor? Maybe if we have another NARC meeting someday, you can show us how to build one.
H@rry
Troll
There are several threads on DIY CRs online. Almost all of them start with clear round acrylic tubing. That is rather expensive. After I bought my first calcium reactor and realized how it worked I also realized that there is no particular reason for it being round. I got some 1/4 inch plexiglas from HD and made square ones. You just need a chamber with a removable top, circulation pump, feed powerhead, and fitting to inject CO2. The CO2 tank and regulator are the major expenses. You could actually make one with PVC pipe. That would be quick, easy, and cheap but you couldn't see the level of media inside.
Anybody that wants to see what I did is welcome to come look.
Anybody that wants to see what I did is welcome to come look.
Tomoko Schum
Valuable Member
Createyourown is selling Geo cal reactor body for $30 in this thread. You will need a pump for circulating the water inside, but the body may be just what you need.
