Balling method

[The Grizz]

So basically I should just set up my dose with bulk Ca, Mag & whatever I need to use for dKH, then on my fourth pump dose with trace elements. I already have bulk additive & can get more from CaCoReef any time. AlsoI do have plans to build a WC system that would pump directly out to my whole house RO dirty water tank that pumps directly to my section field but that will be a big project once the new tank & wall unit are built & in place.

[FragIt Dan]

I would say the salt creep is responsible for the drop in salinity. As for needing a fourth channel on your doser, you should be able to combine the same components in your 3 chambers as is done with Balling, but using your own ingredients. IMO, no need for a fourth chamber. There are some additives, such as iodine or amino acids, that shouldn't be combined with anything you put in the first three chambers (I might use it for vinegar dosing). If you wanted to dose any of these 'other' supplements, channel 4 would be appropriate for this. Barring this, I would leave this channel unused and in reserve in case one of your motors or heads has an issue; you'll have a backup. Just my $0.02 .
Dan

[The Grizz]

Originally Posted by FragIt Dan

I would say the salt creep is responsible for the drop in salinity. As for needing a fourth channel on your doser, you should be able to combine the same components in your 3 chambers as is done with Balling, but using your own ingredients. IMO, no need for a fourth chamber. There are some additives, such as iodine or amino acids, that shouldn't be combined with anything you put in the first three chambers (I might use it for vinegar dosing). If you wanted to dose any of these 'other' supplements, channel 4 would be appropriate for this. Barring this, I would leave this channel unused and in reserve in case one of your motors or heads has an issue; you'll have a backup. Just my $0.02 .
Dan

That is a good thought Dan, I plan to buy a few replacement pump just to have on hand as well.

[Myka]

Honestly, I don't think the balling method can reduce waterchanges to any significant extent. I've used semi-balling (just cal, alk, mg) for a few years now mostly using Fauna Marin salts which I prefer over the BRS bulk chems that I have tried and don't like. Anytime I try to use some of the other balling additives I run into nutrient problems and nuisance algae issues.

[The Grizz]

Still have time to research and decide. I have been supplied some info from a vendor on Ocean Fresh products that might be worth checking out as well.

[Myka]

I haven't found any of the carbon dosing in a bottle stuff to work too well for lowering nutrients, biopellets are probably the best bet there. So if you have PO4 and NO4 handled with that then you're looking at trace schtuff. Brightwell Aquatics is another I would consider looking at, and Prodibio. I really like Prodibio products - mainly the BiOptim and BioDigest (improve color even though I don't find they affect nutrients at all). The Fauna Marin Ultra Organic is a nice product but has to be used sparingly. These are affordable products that don't need daily dosing.

FWIW, try talking to your LFS about buying salt in bulk...you may be able to work a deal. Also, many suppliers have salt sales (particularly Instant Ocean and Reef Crystals) which vendors don't pass on to the customer. Ask your LFS to let you know when that sale it going on and see if s/he would cut you a deal if you buy 6 or 10 pails during the sale.

[The Grizz]

Originally Posted by Myka

I haven't found any of the carbon dosing in a bottle stuff to work too well for lowering nutrients, biopellets are probably the best bet there. So if you have PO4 and NO4 handled with that then you're looking at trace schtuff. Brightwell Aquatics is another I would consider looking at, and Prodibio. I really like Prodibio products - mainly the BiOptim and BioDigest (improve color even though I don't find they affect nutrients at all). The Fauna Marin Ultra Organic is a nice product but has to be used sparingly. These are affordable products that don't need daily dosing.

FWIW, try talking to your LFS about buying salt in bulk...you may be able to work a deal. Also, many suppliers have salt sales (particularly Instant Ocean and Reef Crystals) which vendors don't pass on to the customer. Ask your LFS to let you know when that sale it going on and see if s/he would cut you a deal if you buy 6 or 10 pails during the sale.

I have been running pellets for well over a yr now with undectectable PO4 & NO4. So far from what I have read about Ocean Fresh it's a good stable product at a reasonable price as well.

We don't have a local store here in Red Deer so I rely on days like today to buy salt. I still have a 2 - 200 gal boxes of Reef Crystals left from last yr & picked up 6 - 160 gal buckets today @ Big Al's in Edmonton. Only way to get stuff here we need is to go to the big cities or online shop, another reason I have been thinking of setting up a small shop at home.

[Myka]

Originally Posted by The Grizz

I have been running pellets for well over a yr now with undectectable PO4 & NO4. So far from what I have read about Ocean Fresh it's a good stable product at a reasonable price as well.

Ok, well that's good. Be careful not to do any unintentional carbon dosing then...some products have funny names. Stay away from anything that says it reduces nutrients or sludge buildup and that such thing as it may mess with your biopellets by screwing up the PO4/NO4 balance. Since those are working, don't F with them.

I honestly don't think adding any trace products will reduce your water changes though. I would be very skeptical of such claims. For what it costs, I think a 10% waterchange will probably get you better results.

We don't have a local store here in Red Deer so I rely on days like today to buy salt. [...] Only way to get stuff here we need is to go to the big cities or online shop

Don't you have a "usual' LFS in Calgary or Edmonton? Talk to the place where you do the most of your dry goods purchasing. This is where privately owned LFS really shine. If you're doing a lot of online shipping though then you probably haven't developed a real good customer relationship with an LFS, and in that case you're up the creek. This is why I always encourage people to shop at their LOCAL Fish Store.

another reason I have been thinking of setting up a small shop at home.

That's probably not a great idea. If you're just doing very small amount of sales then you won't be buying enough from suppliers to get any reasonable pricing anyway and it will just be one giant PITA. Check your zoning too - it may not allow home-based business.

[Royal Aquariums]

We will be launching our own line of bulk additives in the very near future.

[The Grizz]

If used correctly pellets do a very good job IMO, at least for me. Also run ROX carbon & HC - GFO. I do have a design for a WC system so that will be in the works as well with the new tank.

I'm in pretty good with Concepts in Calgary, Blue World, Marine Aquaria & Red Coral in Edmonton. I know all the owners personally & if the need arose I know one of them would take care of me for sure.

There seems to be a bit of an increase of reefers in my area that would support something local so I'm sure it might work out. I am also sure I could piggy back on an order from the city to get supplies as well.