Understanding Dosing...so many questions

[money88]

So still fairly new to the hobby overall just about 2 years. I've had my current tank running for about 13 months I have mostly LPS, softies and one of two SPS.

I think I am at the point in which I need to start some sort of dosing to keep up my alk. I usually do roughly a 10% water change weekly using Reef Crystal's.

I've attached my latest tests over a 1 week period without a water change in between.

I guess I am looking for assistance in knowing how to get started down the dosing road. I bought kalk and tried once putting it in my ATO but things started to change in the tank so it got me worried and I flushed that system.

I am open to learning how to start kalk or 2 part. I guess I'm wondering how do i know how much to dose?

If I were to go the kalk route can I run it independently of my ato? How does that effect my ATO?

If I ran it in my ATO do I need to mix the container ( constantly or when I'm making it?)

If I were to use 2 part how much of each do you dose? is there a calculator and/or ratio? what is a simple way to get started?

I know it's quite open ended but I've read so much on dosing I actually feel more lost than before.

 

[RobZilla04]

Two part dosing products tell you how much of each part will raise that corresponding value.

Example - XXml part 2 will raise Alk XX meg/l

Step 1: Get the levels where you want them
Step 2: Test levels 5 days later
Step 3: Subtract test results from desired level to get consumption over 5 days
Step 4: Divide by 5 to get daily consumption rate
Step 5: Consult label of 2-part and dose accordingly to match daily consumption

You've already done this over what appears to be 7 days, so dose a 2 part product for the difference in values divided by 7.

Don't be surprised if early on you need more of Pt 2 (Alk) than Pt 1 (Cal). Over time they will balance and your dosing needs will become equal between the two parts.

 

[money88]

Two part dosing products tell you how much of each part will raise that corresponding value.

Example - XXml part 2 will raise Alk XX meg/l

Step 1: Get the levels where you want them
Step 2: Test levels 5 days later
Step 3: Subtract test results from desired level to get consumption over 5 days
Step 4: Divide by 5 to get daily consumption rate
Step 5: Consult label of 2-part and dose accordingly to match daily consumption

You've already done this over what appears to be 7 days, so dose a 2 part product for the difference in values divided by 7.

Don't be surprised if early on you need more of Pt 2 (Alk) than Pt 1 (Cal). Over time they will balance and your dosing needs will become equal between the two parts.

Do you recommend just using 2 part as I'll have to make the swap eventually? What is an affordable way to dose these? Would the BRS 1.1ml doser work?

 

[money88]

Has anyone tried: https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/carbo-calcium-liquid-calcium-alkalinity-additive-tropic-marin.html it seems to be a one part solution like kalk but more effective?

 

[Martin Kuhn]

i would not really recommend this All-In-One's.
They available for a longer time now. Searching the forums you will find several messages showing this is not the best way to gey. To unflexible.

 

[RobZilla04]

Do you recommend just using 2 part as I'll have to make the swap eventually? What is an affordable way to dose these? Would the BRS 1.1ml doser work?

If you have an aquarium controller the BRS 1.1ml dosers will work. Otherwise you'll need a stand alone such as a GHL, Bubble Magus, etc.

All-in-ones are much less popular and can cause imbalances especially early on when dosing isn't quite equal parts 1 and 2.

Thus far I've found the 2-part to be affordable. Around $40-50 for both parts (Ocean's Blend). Going with a calcium reactor can be more stable in the long term. Especially with the ease of adjustment, but until I'm buying two part monthly, I'll stick with it.