Dosing Calcium and Buffer

[azkass]

I'm upgrading to a 180 gal. and am wondering what the easiest/ cheapest way will be to dose these. Currently, on my 75 gal. I just add buffer to the make up water and the ATO pumps it in. I add calcium (powdered) and magnesium as needed. Since this is a larger tank I'm wondering if I should just stick to how I've been doing it or start using kalk and add to the RO top off water. Rather than dripping can I just pour into the top off water and the ATO will pump it into the tank when it calls for water??

Thanks for the help

 

[zrogst]

Ultimately, a dosing pump dosing 2-part throughout the day 7 days a week will be the most accurate and controllable method. I'm not sure how many people still use Kalkwasser, but in Arizona sometimes you need to top off without increasing your pH.

Have you looked into a CA reactor? Out of the 3 methods it's certainly the lowest maintenance, but highest up-front cost. Not very costly to keep running, but more expensive then kalkwasser for sure.

 

[SKAREEF]

It depends on bio load. I use a Reactor and Kalk, but my tanks are loaded.
To me it is the easiest and most stable way to maintain. + 1 on the up front cost though.

 

[azkass]

I will probably add a CR later on due to the upfront cost. I think I'll just stick to what I'm doing now and maybe try kalk later after the tank is stable. The bio load will be light to moderate with little to no SPS so I may be able to get by without a reactor.

 

[evolved]

You shouldn't add Ca or Mg in powder form directly to the tank, but rather mix a saturated solution of each individually; then add appropriately.

 

[azkass]

You shouldn't add Ca or Mg in powder form directly to the tank, but rather mix a saturated solution of each individually; then add appropriately.

I meant I mix it in RO water first until it dissolves and then pour it in the sump.

 

[evolved]

I meant I mix it in RO water first until it dissolves and then pour it in the sump.

:thumbsup:
Just wanted to make sure!