Doser Help Needed (set-up)

[paddyob]

So I received my Marine Magic doser from Eli today. Thanks Grizz for dropping it off.

Now, the instructions are pretty bad, at least for me seeing I have never used one.

I know Eli has some info posted in his thread, but I need other info to start.

1) I have seen the Ca/Kh mixed in 4 litre bottles... to what concentration should it be mixed??

2) I cant remember what I was going to ask.

3) Dose both ca/kh daily, or alternate days?


I know I will ask more later. SO thanks for now!

[warriorcookie]

I haven't started dosing 2 part yet, but I had just read this. I think alot of your answers will be found.

[paddyob]

Originally Posted by warriorcookie

I haven't started dosing 2 part yet, but I had just read this. I think alot of your answers will be found.

That's perfect. Thanks.

[Reef Supplies]

Hope I can help....

Originally Posted by paddyob

1) I have seen the Ca/Kh mixed in 4 litre bottles... to what concentration should it be mixed??

That depends on your recipe. That BRS link is fine but you should also read this http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-02/rhf/index.php

2) I cant remember what I was going to ask.



3) Dose both ca/kh daily, or alternate days?

A 2-part has to dosed equal amounts daily once you have adjusted your levels. Make sure you levels start of balanced and please please make sure your MAG is above 1300. For some reason MAG is always overlooked and if you mag is below 1300 if will be very hard to maintain CAL/ALK.

The holy grail of 2-part dosing http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-02/rhf/index.php

[paddyob]

Originally Posted by Reef Supplies

Hope I can help....



The holy grail of 2-part dosing http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-02/rhf/index.php

Thanks thanks!

[daplatapus]

yeah, you definitely want to start with your Mg. Get it right before trying to adjust the others.

[Seriak]

Originally Posted by daplatapus

yeah, you definitely want to start with your Mg. Get it right before trying to adjust the others.

I believe I was told the opposite, but either way, I just got my doser going to raise my alk a bit and it is working great. Thanks again Eli.

[gregzz4]

Originally Posted by Seriak

I believe I was told the opposite

According to those very experienced ....

Magnesium both helps to buffer the pH from falling, and reduces the precipitation of calcium. Think of magnesium as the fulcrum of a teeter totter. Without magnesium at the level it should be, it is difficult to keep calcium and alkalinity at a steady and proper level. Natural seawater generally contains 1280 ppm of magnesium. Low magnesium can be one of the factors of nuisance algae growth, and most reef keepers agree that 1350 ppm works best in our little glass boxes. I prefer to dose magnesium to ~1350 ppm before adjusting calcium and alkalinity.

[Seriak]

Originally Posted by gregzz4

According to those very experienced ....

Magnesium both helps to buffer the pH from falling, and reduces the precipitation of calcium. Think of magnesium as the fulcrum of a teeter totter. Without magnesium at the level it should be, it is difficult to keep calcium and alkalinity at a steady and proper level. Natural seawater generally contains 1280 ppm of magnesium. Low magnesium can be one of the factors of nuisance algae growth, and most reef keepers agree that 1350 ppm works best in our little glass boxes. I prefer to dose magnesium to ~1350 ppm before adjusting calcium and alkalinity.

Good to know. I will keep that in mind once I get my alk up.

[Arok3000]

Originally Posted by Seriak

Good to know. I will keep that in mind once I get my alk up.

Many people say roughly triple you calcium also. This usually ends up around 1300-1350 anyways.

One thing to keep in mind also, is that you may have trouble getting your kh up if your mg is too low. If your mg is extremely low, than anything you add to boost your kh may very well precipitate out right away.