2 part users - how often do you test ALK

[pusanpa]

2 part users - how often do you NEED to test ALK to get the steady parameter?

 

[MammothReefer]

This question isn't really unique to two part. But when I'm setting up 2 part or a reactor I try to test every other day until I see a pattern and adjust accordingly. Once things are humming along I test once a week to once every other week.

 

[sreefs]

This question isn't really unique to two part. But when I'm setting up 2 part or a reactor I try to test every other day until I see a pattern and adjust accordingly. Once things are humming along I test once a week to once every other week.

I agree with Mammoth.

 

[bogg]

I think he means manual dosing ie: b ionic without dosing pumps
Ime I did test twice a day with 2 part and also mag for five years

Now with my ca rxtr lol test once every 6mo or so after I change the media

 

[phryan]

This question isn't really unique to two part. But when I'm setting up 2 part or a reactor I try to test every other day until I see a pattern and adjust accordingly. Once things are humming along I test once a week to once every other week.

I agree. Test once a week and then make changes to the dosing schedule if needed, if the levels are really low make a manual dose(s) to desired level.

 

[trueblackpercula]

I check mine every saturday or Sunday morning before lights come on.

 

[pusanpa]

I use brs 1.1mm with digital timer.

One of the reason why I ask is that my alk seems fluctuate quite often. You know SPS don't like ALK fluctiation
It makes me nervous and I have been checking alk everyday for more than a month.

I also found out that alk will drop when you raise big amount of Ca.

 

[MattG]

I test once a week. Seems about once a month i have to increase the time my dosers run to keep up with the additional calcium/alk demand.

 

[dowtish]

What test kit are you using and how much fluctuation are we talking about?

 

[pusanpa]

I use salifert and api at the same time. My alk fluctuate around 9.5 - 11.
I guess I need to decrease dosing time

 

[a.browning]

I check it every week, and adjust dosing as necessary. I only have to adjust every couple months or so. Once you get things dialed in, you shouldn't have to test quite as often.

 

[MammothReefer]

Are you only dosing ALK on a dosing pump and not calc? You should be dosing them in equal volumes and you need to have mag solid as well.

 

[pusanpa]

I am dosing both by brs doser. Last month I left my digital timer ON and ended up dumping half gallon of CA over night . My alk dropped significantly (around 7-8).

 

[MammothReefer]

I am dosing both by brs doser. Last month I left my digital timer ON and ended up dumping half gallon of CA over night . My alk dropped significantly (around 7-8).

Well if things get wonky things are going to be weird. If you are dosing both in the same amounts on regular schedules you should start to see a pattern. Don't over test though. I tested everyday for a while I ended up chasing my tail a lot. Test every couple days at the same time and instead of focusing on a specific number watch the trend (ie are you on average moving up or down). Adjust off that. Unless of course you see a HUGE chain then I would act accordingly not to crash the tank.

 

[pusanpa]

Well if things get wonky things are going to be weird. If you are dosing both in the same amounts on regular schedules you should start to see a pattern. Don't over test though. I tested everyday for a while I ended up chasing my tail a lot. Test every couple days at the same time and instead of focusing on a specific number watch the trend (ie are you on average moving up or down). Adjust off that. Unless of course you see a HUGE chain then I would act accordingly not to crash the tank.

OK Thanks for your comment!

 

[fazilosman]

Well if things get wonky things are going to be weird. If you are dosing both in the same amounts on regular schedules you should start to see a pattern. Don't over test though. I tested everyday for a while I ended up chasing my tail a lot. Test every couple days at the same time and instead of focusing on a specific number watch the trend (ie are you on average moving up or down). Adjust off that. Unless of course you see a HUGE chain then I would act accordingly not to crash the tank.

+1 - dosing every day will drive you crazy! I also recommend testing at the same time of day also. I shoot for 8am on Saturday's not to manipulate anything on the tank or water for at least 12 hours before the test.