tonytran509
Well-Known Member
So like you guys know im the new guy... and starting to understand all this more... So I'm looking to manual dosing CAL and ALK for stability... what do you guys recommend me getting?
Manual Dosing Cal and Alk... what brands?
- Thread starter tonytran509
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How big a tank? I've got @190 gallons in three tanks, I use Seachem Reef Fusion 1 and 2. It's been fine for a year and a half but I haven't had much SPS, I'm getting a little more and what I have is growing so I'm thinking of switching to BRS 2 part.
tonytran509
Well-Known Member
its a 60 gallon
Are you testing calcium, magnesium , and alk frequently? That will tell you when you need to start dosing
tonytran509
Well-Known Member
Not yet but i just ordered a full kit to test it all and should be testing frequently starting next week, i just wanted to get the stuff before hand so that I have it before something takes a turn.
Ya nothing wrong with being prepared. Just make sure you test before you start dosing so you can figure out how quickly these elements are being depleted. That will help you figure out how much to dose. Then test to make sure your are dosing the right amount
tonytran509
Well-Known Member
Thank you, i will do that... i plan on take test throughout the first week and marking it all down.... then figure out what to dose you will hear from me if i cant figure somethign out lol
How long has the system been up and running and do you have any stony coral yet?
tonytran509
Well-Known Member
the tank has been up more than a month, have only a few stony coral frags in there, but will eventually get more thats also a reason why i wanted to ask the question
tonytran509
Well-Known Member
I don't believe so. It's a pretty good deal for what you get:
2-Part Pharma Calcium & Alkalinity Starter Package
Start Replenishing Calcium and Alkalinity in your Reef Tank! Keep your corals growing with the BRS 2-Part Calcium & Alkalinity Starter Package. The kit includes everything to make one gallon of calcium, alkalinity, and magnesium and to start daily dosing, it even includes mixing jugs, dispensing...
www.bulkreefsupply.com
There are DIY recipes for this using chemicals that you can find on Amazon or some local hardware/pool stores. The concern is that there maybe contaminants or other chemicals that may be harmful but I never had a problem. You just have to make sure to read the MSDS data on the chemical. When I was 2 part dosing, I used food grade calcium chloride (for making beer or pickles) and sodium hydroxide (caustic lye) that I got from Amazon. For magnesium, I got the BRS magnesium chloride and mixed it with epsom salt from CVS. Since Im using a calrx, I havent had the need to use the calcium chloride and sodium hydroxide anymore but I still use the magnesium recipe.
Using BRS 2 part here with great success.
I also use thisI don't believe so. It's a pretty good deal for what you get:
2-Part Pharma Calcium & Alkalinity Starter Package
Start Replenishing Calcium and Alkalinity in your Reef Tank! Keep your corals growing with the BRS 2-Part Calcium & Alkalinity Starter Package. The kit includes everything to make one gallon of calcium, alkalinity, and magnesium and to start daily dosing, it even includes mixing jugs, dispensing...
I’m going to side with Dave @dball711 on the 8g B-ionic. You’re obviously a fish guy, and you have at least a small storage area for fish stuff if it’s good quality and saves money.
ESV B-ionic is, I think, one of the better quality products on the market. Naturally, you will
pay a more for it. However, years ago, they began selling it in larger 8 gallon volumes (4 gal calc + 4 gal Alk). And dropped their per oz price significantly. I believe this “per oz retail price” still competes for cheapest on the market. However, I haven’t re-evaluated the market in a couple years so I could be wrong.
Regardless, it’s assured as a good product at a good deal if getting the 8g pack. Worth consideration.
ESV B-ionic is, I think, one of the better quality products on the market. Naturally, you will
pay a more for it. However, years ago, they began selling it in larger 8 gallon volumes (4 gal calc + 4 gal Alk). And dropped their per oz price significantly. I believe this “per oz retail price” still competes for cheapest on the market. However, I haven’t re-evaluated the market in a couple years so I could be wrong.
Regardless, it’s assured as a good product at a good deal if getting the 8g pack. Worth consideration.
I don't think it's time for you to worry about dosing much yet, if at all. With a tank that's only a month or two old and only has a few stony frags in it, weekly water changes should be more than enough.
Buying the things you will need ahead of time is always good and all of the products listed are very good too. Once you start testing and see what you're dealing with you'll know when it's time to start dosing. You'll need to get into a rhythm testing and get the procedures down. Then post up your results and you'll get right right info from members here.
Hey tony; 100% this.
I was too exhausted and didn’t think clearly before giving you the recommendation. B-ionic is great. But you won’t need it yet.
