What to dose?

[lg2725]

So I currently just add a small amount of pickling lime into my sump to increase Ca/Alk/Mag. I am going to get the GHL 4 pump doser. Other than using it for an ATO, should I just continue to dose the pickling lime or go in another direction and dose specifics?
Thanks all.

 

[homer1475]

Depends on what your corals are consuming. If your parameters are wuthin normal range, keep using it until it can no longer keep up with demand.

I used kalkwasser for over a year until it could no longer keep up with demand. I now skip the kalkwasser and dose 2 part.

 

[ReefEco]

Hey Ron, Homer brings up a good point - that ideally you are testing to see what your tank needs. Also Kalk does not contain magnesium, so while it is consumed far less quickly that other things, you might need to test and adjust for that.

If you are using the GHL for top-off, without some level sensor input(?), it can create salinity swings unless your evaporation is very consistent. If you have set your doser for 500ml of fresh water per day, for instance, but there is a very hot day and you really need double that, etc. you get the idea. If you are running a profilux, a float switch or some other hardware would provide a more stable ATO solution that actually responds to your tanks top off needs. If you are using some level sensor, just ignore me : )

 

[lg2725]

Thanks guys. I lose about 2 1/2 gallons a day to evaporation so I guess I should also get a level sensor to make sure I don;y over top-off.