Canreef Aquatics Bulletin Board - Balling method calculation

Here is a reminder to the dosing of salts using the balling method as so many are now changing from calcium reactors to balling method after seeing the dramatic results balling can give.

Balling Instructions:

You need three solutions in three separate cans:

Container 1 = 2 kilogram Calcium Chloride-Dihydrate in 5 liter reverse-osmosis water

Container 2 = 2 kilogram Magnesium Chloride-Hexahydrate in 5 liter reverse-osmosis water and 250 gram Magnesium Sulfate-Heptahydrate

Container 3 = 500 gram sodium hydrogen carbonate in 5 litre reverse-osmosis water

**** IMPORTANT - If you wish to use smaller quantities then dived the amount of salts accordingly, for example in 2.5L of water halve all the above weights.****

Now, all three containers are connected to a GHL SA 3 doser. Each solution has to be dosed according to the size of the tank. At the beginning, CA, MG and alkalinity have to be checked daily. and the dosing quantity has to be adjusted at the controller. The GHL SA dosing controller is very suitable for that, as each channel can be adjusted individually and the solutions can be dosed twice a day at 5 minutes intervals.

After around two weeks, the tanks personal consumption will be known and adjusted. The quantities in each container can now be calculated and varied by you. Through Balling-light a small quantity of sodium chloride will arise in your tank. To avoid accumulation it should be compensated by periodical water change (10% each week). Also, always check the salinity of your water and adjust it if necessary.

Essential trace elements needed for the growth of corals can be dosed
automatically.

Ultra Trace B solutions.

Add to container 1 (to the Calcium Chloride-Dihydrate) 25ml of the Ultra trace B strontium complex
and 25ml of the Ultra trace B heavy-metal-complex.

To container 2 (to the magnesium) you add 25ml of the Ultra trace B Iodine-Fluorine Complex.

And that is it.