2-Part Dosing Questions

[dRsLy09]

I just got (2) BRS dosing pumps and a Reefkeeper Lite controller to automate my 2-part dosing, and I'm trying to figure out the best way to set it all up.. Can someone using a similar setup give me an example of what schedule they are using to dose 2 part?

I know it is best to dose the alk component at night when pH drops... Does it matter when the calcium is dosed?

Thanks!

 

[cee]

I dose 24/7 in separate sections of the sump.

 

[GPhiAce]

You are right about the Alk dosing, however I also dose 24/7. You can use the reef dosing calculator (should be a link in the reef chemistry forum) to determine how much you need to dose. I divided my dose amount into 4 and dose every 6 hours. My Alk and Ca are dosed at separate times and parts of the sump to prevent precip.

You can monitor your pH with a pH probe to make sure that your swings are appropriate. IME they are negligible with my current dosing regime. I am sure that Dave would agree.

As far as setting up the RK lite..... you can figure out how much the pumps pump per minute or sec. Set you doser to turn on and off at certain times. For example if the doser pumps 25 mL/minute and you only want to dose 25mLs, make a program: Pump 1 On at 12:30; Off at 12:31. For the record I have an ACjr so I am not sure if that is the correct way to write the program. You may also post in the reefkeeper forum to make sure that the program is accurate.

Also, make sure that you test frequently. Make sure that you are dosing appropriately and adjusting adequately.

Sorry if I rambled and did not answer your question.

 

[cee]

I use medical grade peristalic pumps which have timers built in and provide very precise dosing rates. Saves on having to do the math, extremely reliable, and can be had cheap if you look around. No RK, PLC, or other controllers allowed on my systems LOL.

Honestly, I haven't measured pH in probably 5 years. I just learned after a few years that if all the other parameters are good it is self-regulating. I do bake my baking soda, however, which does provide a bit of a pH boost.

Dosing as infrequent as once a day should be fine provided you don't use anything that boosts the pH. My little tank never gets dosed; it must derive its needs from the weekly water changes.

 

[GPhiAce]

No controllers???? What do you use for controlling your light cycle?

I didn't mention that I use an Aquamedic reefdoser. Works great for me. The math is simple.

Like Dave said, once your system is stable, then the need for measuring decreases. This comes with alot of experience and relying on your corals to "talk to you." For example, I know when my Alk is low when my rainbow yuma closes, so I bump it up a little.

 

[planejane]

I was using the same set up, RKL + BRS pumps, haven;t need to dose since going to TO with Kalkwasser, and few SPS. Be sure that you plug the pumps into the # 1 and # 4 outlets on the RKL.