Very Basic Dosing Question

[Slayvoff]

I understand the concept of dosing - to raise the levels of something in your tank. But on a practical level, I don't quite understand how one goes about it. Say you need to raise the levels of one or a few chemicals. How would you "dose" the tank?

For example, would you just sprinkle some Magnesium Chloride across the top of the tank? That doesn't sound right...so could someone explain on a pretty basic level? Preparing my first ever salt water aquarium.

 

[Bj’s Reef]

I'm not trying to be funny or anything . However I would recommend that you check out some of the bulk reef supply videos on dosing. It will quickly answer a lot of your questions in a short period of time.

 

[JimWelsh]

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-02/rhf/index.php

 

[JimWelsh]

Sorry double post.

 

[Orm Embar]

Randy has some articles on calcium and alkalinity, which is most of what you would need to dose. 2-part (calcium and alkalinity) can be as simple as pouring a small amount into the sump every day to every few days.

 

[moseley75]

Dosing is, as you say, adding something, usually in liquid form, to your water to change the water parameters. Some things increase and others are intended to decrease. What you dose will depend on what the occupants of your tank require.
You won't need to dose anything for a while. Decide which salt mix you are going to use then set up your tank and start it cycling. It will take a month or more giving you plenty of time to do some research.
Several of the internet suppliers, like Bulk Reef Supply, have video series that explain what you want to know.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I understand the concept of dosing - to raise the levels of something in your tank. But on a practical level, I don't quite understand how one goes about it. Say you need to raise the levels of one or a few chemicals. How would you "dose" the tank?

For example, would you just sprinkle some Magnesium Chloride across the top of the tank? That doesn't sound right...so could someone explain on a pretty basic level? Preparing my first ever salt water aquarium.

Nearly all chemicals should be dosed to the tank in liquid form, after dissolving them in fresh water, if needed.

The one exception is Tropic Marin Biocalcium, which must be added dry because it will go bad mixed into fresh water first.