Trouble with alk/calc 2 part

[wink1906]

Ive been dosing 2 part B-ionic for about 3 weeks now. Calcium at 320, alk at 8.

Pretty much the same place since I started dosing. I have been noticing some white debris on the tops of the rock. Is this s isgn that I have been adding one or two of the parts too quickly (precipitate?).

 

[Paintbug]

it could be, but i doubt thats the problem. when i dose, i does the calc part first, then the alk. it seems to work better for me that way. i usually wait about 15 sec. before adding the alk part. never really been a problem with precipitation. with the calcium levels that low, i would try to test your magnesium levels. if the mag is low, that will cause the calc to precipitate out.

 

[bluetmax]

How much are you dosing and in what size tank? If you are using the larger bottles, they are extremely concentrated and must be diluted with RO water before use. What size are the bottles?

 

[wink1906]

Dosing per bottle instructions per day. 19ml/75g each part 1/2.

Dosage is correct per label.

I guess the LFS said go by label per tank claim, not per system (with sump vol included). Could that be the issue?

But really 3 weeks wihout any noticable gain in alk/calc?

 

[bluetmax]

All of the bottles are labeled that way. If the tank is heavily stocked, you may need to increase your dosage. I have to dose 5 more ml than what is actually required to maintain my levels, but I have a tank full of primarily SPS corals. What I don't understand is the white precipitate. Does the precipitate immediately become visible when you add the solution to the tank, or is it forming over time? Are you using the small bottles, or are you using the larger bottles, which require diluting? ESV (the manufacturer) of B-Ionic has a toll free number - 1.800.846.9449 - maybe you could call them and ask for their advice or e-mail them (ESVCO@CS.COM). I do know that it is recommended that you vigorously shake the bottles if they have been sitting for a long time, because some parts of the solution (not sure which ones) can settle to the bottom of the containers. Hope this helps.

 

[bluetmax]

I was looking at their site and noticed something. The toll free number is for orders only. The number for technical help is 1.718-387-7839. I'll PM you the URL.

 

[wink1906]

Thanks, the precipitate forms over time, not immediately visible.

It's the small bottles which do not require dilution.

The only corals in the tank now are a medium size branching hammer and a medium-large torch.

I'll try shaking the bottles but they get moved around quite a bit.

Going to the LFS today, I'll see what they say.

The only other thing I was thinking is that I was bleaching the rock due to the MH lighting but when I turkeybasted the rock alot of the white sediment blew off, I dont think my clowns appreciated it either, messing up their home and all!

 

[crumbletop]

What is your mg level? If low you could be precipitating stuff out because of an imbalance. There is really a 3-way equilibrium -- Ca, Alk, and Mg.

 

[kev apsley]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10585689#post10585689 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by crumbletop
What is your mg level? If low you could be precipitating stuff out because of an imbalance. There is really a 3-way equilibrium -- Ca, Alk, and Mg.

agreed! need to test Mg and make sure it is 1300-1400ppm...Mg is holds the Ca/Alk in balance not allowing them to fall out of solution

 

[Paintbug]

dosing per the label usually only maintains the levels, since you can test the levels increase the dose for a few days and see if your levels increase. if not check the mag levels for sure!

 

[murfman]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10585664#post10585664 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by wink1906
Thanks, the precipitate forms over time, not immediately visible.

It's the small bottles which do not require dilution.

The only corals in the tank now are a medium size branching hammer and a medium-large torch.

I'll try shaking the bottles but they get moved around quite a bit.

Going to the LFS today, I'll see what they say.

The only other thing I was thinking is that I was bleaching the rock due to the MH lighting but when I turkeybasted the rock alot of the white sediment blew off, I dont think my clowns appreciated it either, messing up their home and all!

With these corals, why are you dosing B-Ionic? They don't really require that much calcium for growth. If you had a lot of SPS and clams, I would say yes but you are not seeing any changes between dosing and not dosing. I wouldn't worry about it, as long as you monitor the levels and adjust when you start seeing changes.