? about R's 2 part

[vaughan5]

Couple questions for Randy about the 2 Part solution. Can I mix the Calcium and Alk parts together and dose at the same time or do I need to dose each part seperatly. I have been using the Reef Chem. calculator for dosing amounts and I find I have to double the reccomended amount of the Recipe 1 Alk part to achieve the desired results. Am I doing something wrong ?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

No, you cannot mix them together outside the tank. Double the recommended stating dose? That's fine, but I'd double both parts unless the calcium is really pushing too high.

 

[vaughan5]

Thanks Randy, What is the reason the two parts cannot be mixed outside the tank ?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

The calcium in one part will combine with the carbonate in the alkalinity part to precipitate as calcium carbonate (limestone). That is why it needs to be a two part even when first made.

 

[vaughan5]

I would like to slowly raise the S.G in my tank. Is it okay to mix the Alk. part of the RH solution with salt water ?
I use NSW with an S.G of 1.024, and would like to bring it up to 1.026 by adding IO salt mix.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Nope. It must be only in fresh water. Calcium carbonate and magnesium hydroxide will precipitate from salt water.

 

[vaughan5]

I have been mixing the two part together with salt water for about 4 months and dripping at night. Have I caused any problems for my system in doing so ? Thanks for the help Randy.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Have I caused any problems for my system in doing so ?

No, but you have likely been wasting some of the additive to make fine calcium carbonate sand.