To dose calcium or not to dose

[bhodges82]

I think that with the amount and type of coral that you have, doing water changes alone should be just fine with keeping your levels in check. It's good that you are wanting to keep the coral happy and make it grow, but remember that this hobby is about patience, everything takes time. My personal opinion is that you are not ready to dose yet. I started to dose when I was noticing big changes in my water chemistry (calcium went from 400 to 300) in between tests and regular maintenence, I dosed because I needed to not because I wanted to. I'm just not seeing the need in your situation. I hope this helps you understand about dosing a little better. Don't be discouraged either, keep asking questions and learning.

 

[Adam]

That would be awesome if you would post links always trying to learn

I've got a lot going on today. But later tonight I'll get chance to sit in front of a pc and I'll get some good articles posted for you. But like Bobby said above, patients is key. Slow and steady wins every time in this hobby. I think when starting out reading is key. This hobby can be very rewarding and there aren't many like it. Part chemistry, part biology, artist vision and technology. There's always something new to learn.
Also there are some very good YouTube videos out there. A good place to start is checking out the ones Bulk Reef Supply have on their channel.

 

[dball711]

I think Bobby makes a really good point and recommendation above, I also don’t think dosing is needed for your tank. Doing less is better than doing more especially on a new tank. Chasing numbers can lead to a disaster if your not aware of how everything relates to other levels in your tank meaning if you increase one thing it can cause an increase/decrease to something else.

Adam also make a very good point about slow and steady, most corals do best in stable conditions. Take a look at the articles he posts later.

In the mean time, I’d love to hear more about your tank and husbandry.

-what is your ALK, Magnesium & PH at​

-how often do you do a water change and how much (gallons)​

-what temp do you keep your tank at and is it pretty stable​

It can be really difficult to answer a question like your s without other critical info so that’s why I’m asking. Maybe tweaking your water change schedule is really all that’s needed so let us know and Happy Reefing!
Dave

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[Mom2Many]

I know this is going to sound rediculous....but...In the set up you discribe....The best thing for growth is stabilty and time. I know things will grow better if everything they need is always stable and available. In such a large tank, with corals that are not very demanding and regular water changes... I see no need to dose. Test for a few weeks, daily. Day of water change and then all the days following...You will see it if they need it. May your tank fill in quickly for you!

 

[Adam]

Even though these are older articles they are a great place to start.

Calcium and Alkalinity

The “How To” Guide to Reef Aquarium Chemistry for Beginners,
Part 1: The Salt Water Itself

The “How To” Guide to Reef Aquarium Chemistry for Beginners,
Part 2: What Chemicals Must be Supplemented

The “How To” Guide to Reef Aquarium Chemistry for Beginners,
Part 3: pH

The “How To” Guide to Reef Aquarium Chemistry for Beginners,
Part 4: What Chemicals May Detrimentally Accumulate

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[ZapataInc]

So i have a question about dosing because I am thinking about starting. Do you still dose after a water change? From my understanding is that doing a water change will replenish some of the Alk, Cal, and other elements. If this is the case wouldnt you see a spike in those elements if you continue to dose what you regularly dose?

 

[Milkmonster]

So did a 6gallon water change instead of the 5 I normally do and my parameters are ph8.0/ amm.0/ Nitrite0/ nitratr40/ Cal. 420/ kh140/ Mag.1275 salinity 1.26. for some reason the ph is down from 8.4 to 8.0 and the nitrates are up from 20 to 40. But the corals look happy. And does and one k ow the name of the last coral

 

[rykwong]

BRS has a good video on dosing. You should check if you even need to dose extra calcium. Maybe try a different salt mix with closer parameters you want.