Dosing help

[bertoni]

This one is accurate:

http://reef.diesyst.com/chemcalc/chemcalc.html

The Marine Depot version likely is fine, too.

 

[CamBarr]

Ok so I'm going to dose ALK first calculator states that I need to dose 96ml's of solution to raise by 1 DKH

How long should I wait between dosing CA and Alk? 10-15mins?

Also when will I get an accurate reading via test kit to see if my additions have raised the CA and Alk properly 1 hour after dosing??

 

[CamBarr]

Just checked my parameters I'm wondering if my tank has less water volume than the 45 gallons or 50 gallons that I suspected

I added the 90 mL of alkalinity solution and it brought up my alkalinity to 8.68 DKH

Going to add CA based on a total volume of 35gals to see where that gets me. Going to shoot for an CA increase of 50ppm

 

[grizzlymint]

Send your water to triton and write down what u test at that exact time. I feel like either user error or bad kits could be having you chasing a ghost.

 

[gtareef]

Both alk and cal are consistent with every test so test kits might be correct. But just to be sure i would get salifert test kits to verify those numbers.

Which brand of salt are you using?

 

[CamBarr]

I think my total water volume is closer to 35-40 gals... The increase achieved in the CA addition while using 35 gals was much more on par to the result I was looking for

Current parameters on a.m. testing are:
ALK:8.6DKH tested in the morning missed my dose and evening test result was 7.25 dkh

Added 65mls ALK for a target of 8.25dkh

CA: tested at 300ppm added 55ml of CA for a target of 325ppm

 

[CamBarr]

Both alk and cal are consistent with every test so test kits might be correct. But just to be sure i would get salifert test kits to verify those numbers.



Which brand of salt are you using?

Was using Tropic Marin regular but I found it to be on the lower side with MG... I just started using IO regular to see if it has better concentrations of MG.

 

[ddanis60]

Just for comparisons sake.. I have about 50 gallons total volume as well (between a 55 gallon tank and sump) and I dose right around 15ml a day of BRS 2-part alk and cal. Also about 10ml mag a day. This keeps my levels right about 430 cal, 8.5 alk and 1350 mag. My tank is pretty heavily stocked for its size.

Hope you get your numbers worked out.

 

[gtareef]

Would you mind posting a picture of your tank?

I think you need to verify the MAG readings. Based on your load and the amount of mL for ALK and CAL added per day shouldn't drop that rapidly.

I have seen similar issue before and most of the times are related to MAG is not in check or dosing ALK in a low flow area where it will precipitate.

 

[CamBarr]

Here is some pics of the tank it's lightly stocked with sps and some Lps... Few stony frgs and a neon green toadstool

Added 15ml ALK and 15ml ca this morning

Just tested before a WC and parameters are

ALK:9.25dkh
CA:300
MG:1350

 

[CamBarr]

Would you mind posting a picture of your tank?



I think you need to verify the MAG readings. Based on your load and the amount of mL for ALK and CAL added per day shouldn't drop that rapidly.



I have seen similar issue before and most of the times are related to MAG is not in check or dosing ALK in a low flow area where it will precipitate.

Dosing by hand into a high flow area of the tank

 

[gtareef]

Nice tank!

From the pictures it doesn't look like you have a lot coralline algae. Do you see calcium build up on your equipment?

Im not sure if you have seen this article before. Randy talked about the relationship between alk, cal, mag and phosphate. You might want to go through it.
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2002-04/rhf/feature/

Please post salifert test results if you get a chance.

 

[CamBarr]

Nice tank!

From the pictures it doesn't look like you have a lot coralline algae. Do you see calcium build up on your equipment?

Im not sure if you have seen this article before. Randy talked about the relationship between alk, cal, mag and phosphate. You might want to go through it.
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2002-04/rhf/feature/

Please post salifert test results if you get a chance.

Thanks!

I have zero coralline algae and I did have a ton of calcium build up on my heater, skimmer and pumps in my sump

Test from tonight and post water change yesterday:

CA- 350ppm added 90ml Bionic- CA for a target of 400

MG- 1350ppm

ALK -7.5dkh added 57 Bionic- Alk for a target of 8.5dkh

 

[CamBarr]

update:

tested the tank last night... i have been adding the supplements in the night time and i think im going to add them in the morning or later in the day until i get the tank balanced. im wondering if my ph is lower in the evening and that is why i have experienced participation...

CA:330ppm added 75ml for a target of 380ppm
MG: 1380ppm... higher then last test without adding of MG solution... could be a in accurate test
Alk:8dkh added 30ml Alk solution for a target of 8.5Dkh


will test later this morning to see where im at and if additions of supplements have made any impacts!

Thanks for all of the help guys

 

[bertoni]

The lower pH will reduce precipitation. That's how a calcium reactor works: the carbon dioxide lowers the pH by creating carbonic acid, which dissolves the calcium carbonate.

 

[CamBarr]

The lower pH will reduce precipitation. That's how a calcium reactor works: the carbon dioxide lowers the pH by creating carbonic acid, which dissolves the calcium carbonate.

Oh yeah I forgot

 

[CamBarr]

What do you think was causing all the precipitate seems like things are starting to balance out now slowly but surely mag is right on point and calcium is holding in around 300 to 325 I just need you I'll bet I think slowly to get it up around 400

 

[bertoni]

I tend to be suspicious of test results in cases like this. The problem could be dosing into a small volume, in theory, though.

 

[CamBarr]

Test kit is new but it could be off its a lamotte and I just gotta new refill for the titration and indicator. Tabs...

 

[CamBarr]

Maybe I'll get a salifert to test side by side... What do you mean by dosing Into a small volume like small volume of water?