Dosing Mg and Alk Question

[tony_caliente]

I understand from many hobbysists and LFSs not to dose CA and ALK at the same time, same day, etc.. Does the same protocol apply to dosing Mg and ALK? Do I need to wait a day in between Mg and ALK dosing?


Thank you for reading!

 

[rdnelson]

I only wait about 5 minutes between dosing CA and ALK. I usually dose my Mg with the CA. Or at least I did back when I manually had to dose. Now, I have automated dosing the ALK and only need to touch up the Mg and CA now and again.

 

[snowmansnow]

I don't see why it would hurt to dose a few mins apart unless you just have a huge system

 

[schwaggs]

In my experience, you can dose Mg any time, it will not react with the Ca or Alk in your typical 2 part system. Also, there is no need to dose Mg daily. Bringing you levels back up once or twice a month is ok. Also, it doesn't hurt to have your Mg levels a little high for a little while so you can overshoot it a little when you dose.

 

[rdnelson]

In my opinion, dosing mag is every bit as important as dosing CA and Alk. If the mag is low, the corals are not able to make efficient use of the CA. However, I am not huge on blind dosing to a schedule without testing. I do it on my alk to a degree because I have learned how much I will need on a regular basis. But I also regularly test it to make sure I stay in line.

The reason not to dose CA and ALK at the same time is that the CA will solidify ane precipitate out. The recomendations I read when using SeaChem two part recommended 5 minutes between dosing and that has always worked well for me.

 

[tony_caliente]

Thank you. I am alternating days....so I am good.

 

[rtackett]

With most buffers, dosing the ALk and Ca will cause precipitation in the tank. The Aqua Vitro supplements by Seachem can be dosed almost back to back. Also, I agree with the use of Mg which is often overlooked by many

 

[jimmystephens]

5 mins apart is perfect. On most 2 parts thats what the instructions say. Make sure u test to make sure ur not over dosing. Which is a common mistake. I made that

 

[ichthyoid]

Within 5 minutes the calcium you dose has reacted with dissolved CO2 in the water. Good flow helps speed this up.

After that it's ok to dose the alkalinity.

A reason for a good skimmer too. It keeps the dissolved gas levels saturated/constant.

 

[tony_caliente]

Thank you!