Advise about dosing

[Webmanny]

Hi guys,

I have been dosing Reef Trace and Reef Plus, but I have noticed that my calcium, ALK and MAG have dropped more than I want them to, even with water changes.

I have plenty of LPS and soft corals. I also have a few SPS corals that have been growing like crazy and I think that is why they are using so much calcium and ALK.

My question is, if I was to switch from the trace and plus dosing to just 2 part, am I going to miss some stuff that I should have?

What are your recommendations?

My tank is only 36gl, but I do have plenty of corals crammed in the tank and they are growing pretty good.

This is a recent FTS.

 

[anbosu]

Assuming you have a normal water change schedule you don't really need to worry about replacing trace elements.

 

[Webmanny]

Like I mentioned above. I do weekly water changes, but after just a few days, the calcium and ALK have gone down below acceptable levels. I do have a lot of high demand corals and I think they are using way too much calcium, ALK and Mag.

I'm looking for recommendations from others here that dose their tanks with 2 part for their feedback on how they do it and it they dose anything else other than 2 part to supplement the needed elements.

 

[ClownMan727]

I use the BRS 2 part dosing solution. Works great. You can dose manually each day or set up a dosing pump to automate it. Kalkwasser is good also for keeping calc and alk stable. Check out the videos on how to use it on BRS website. Just be sure you test water before starting the dosing. http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/brs-2-part-calcium-alkalinity-total-package-bulk.html

 

[janes_mw]

I dose 3 part as well as normal water changes. I use BRS Ca and ALK and ESV Mag currently. FAOIS has bulk ESV of Ca and Alk (not sure about Mg). Try and get your levels consistent for sure.

 

[ChadRaay86]

I wonder if trace elements act similar to acropower? I saw my levels drop when I dosed acropower because it supercharged my growth. I noticed it and I'm running a big calcium reactor, so it upped my demand substantially.

 

[Webmanny]

Awesome advise guys. I like the simplicity of Kalk with my ATO. I may go that route. I will do a few water changes to get everything up to levels and then start Kalk. Thanks again for your help and direction.