Calcium and alkalinity dosing

[2dawghouse]

Carlos is using Tropic Marin Balling mixes not Fauna Marin

Im not using Fauna Balling mixes Im using their Balling light trace elements 1,2,and 3 which I add 1 and 2 to calcium BRS and #3 to the alk component. The Fauna Marin Balling light Elements are different from the Fauna Marin Balling mixes which Im guessing already have the minor and major trace elements in them. i just followed the BRS youtube video's recommendation on how to turn their Alk and Ca mixes with the MAG into BRS's Balling method so to speak. I have only been doing it for about 10 days. So far so good, but I think it takes quite a bit longer to know how well it works.

Bye the way it sounds like the AF is a great product just pricy. I would guess as the balling methods beome more popular here the price will come down

I hope you're correct that they get cheaper lol.

I've been balling for about 6 months or so, very consistent numbers all through out. And you're correct it takes time but I will say the last month or so I've really started to notice the benefits and improvements in my corals. Corals have gotten much better and growth is starting to take off. Purples and blues used to be difficult for me to pleasing results now I can say I'm happy with those colors.

To be honest though I'm still searching for my sweat spot but that has more to do with lighting and nutrients. I'm running 3x250w radiums, 2x80w t5, 2xkessil 360w, 2x kessil 160w...so I'm running my nutrients a little high to see if I find better results. Trying to get my NO3 to around 10ppm and see how well that works for me.

 

[2dawghouse]

Not to get off topic but, I hate my anthrax right now.

Looks like I have quite a few red dragon frags to sell now lol

 

[thysrof]

Interesting to hear it takes 6 months. I find my purple Milli colony is not as purple as it should be. the base is real purple, but the rest is not a deep purple like the base.

 

[2dawghouse]

Interesting to hear it takes 6 months. I find my purple Milli colony is not as purple as it should be. the base is real purple, but the rest is not a deep purple like the base.

Every system is different, but by my log about the last 6 weeks my tank has definitely improved with coloration and growth. I do need to keep making minor adjustments and find my sweat spot, I'm very close atm.

 

[d_carloo]

Here's all 3 for $29.didn't you say it lasts 6 months

https://www.bigalspets.com/tropic-marin-bio-calcium-original-balling-set-a-b-c-3-x-1-kg.html

sorry I was lost lost lol
I am using Tropic Marin Balling salts and at this moment I'm dosing 177 ml per day and testing
as of today

cal 420 ppm
alk 112 ppm
mag 1320 ppm
pot 460 ppm
iodine ??? don't have the test kit
iron 0
phos 0

Im mixing 20 Liter and is lasting a bit over a month
the first boxes i got pay $50
but you can get almost 20 liters out of each box A and B
and 40 liters of C

 

[thysrof]

Carlos,

That's interesting that comp c last longer as Balling Methods are supposed to be dosed in equal parts. If my math is right and you can buy the Trop Marin from Big Al's for $29.00 then it's just under $20 a month for the tropic marin balling method. Seems to be more cost effective than the AF and Im guessing the Triton , although we will find out this Saturday about the Triton costs. looking forward to the meeting

 

[thysrof]

Carlos,

I have read a couple different posts on adjusting levels for the balling method. With the concept that you dose all 3 parts in equal amounts. the way to raise a particular component let's say alk is to use Sodium Bicarbonate ( baking soda) to adjust the alk so as not to start dosing more of one balling component.

 

[d_carloo]

Carlos,

I have read a couple different posts on adjusting levels for the balling method. With the concept that you dose all 3 parts in equal amounts. the way to raise a particular component let's say alk is to use Sodium Bicarbonate ( baking soda) to adjust the alk so as not to start dosing more of one balling component.

thanks Bob
I'm going to try that

 

[2dawghouse]

Carlos,

I have read a couple different posts on adjusting levels for the balling method. With the concept that you dose all 3 parts in equal amounts. the way to raise a particular component let's say alk is to use Sodium Bicarbonate ( baking soda) to adjust the alk so as not to start dosing more of one balling component.

This is what I am doing as for my adjustments but I raise alk and calcium equally so that they stay in balance and yet use less per month.

But I will say it's been trial and error to get the exact amount to use of each as to not under cut my goal or way overshoot.

But as you mentioned the "salt free" salt should be dosed in equal amounts to the other parts.

 

[thysrof]

Mike,

That's a little suprising so what you are saying is that your alk and Ca are always low together because if one was in range and the other is not you would dose one component. As I've mentioned Im doing the BRS with Fauna Marin light elements and my CA has been around 425 with my ALk and Mag running a little low so I added and adjusted my dosing on Alk and Mag. I have just hit

Alk 124 7ish DKH
CA 425
Mag 1350

 

[swk]

Not to get off topic but, I hate my anthrax right now.



Looks like I have quite a few red dragon frags to sell now lol

If you're coming tomorrow I'll take one.

 

[thysrof]

Sean I will give you a frag. Mine is growing well

 

[2dawghouse]

Everyone, I won't be able to make it after all. It sucks cause I really wanted to hear from triton.