whats your CA/KH dosing and testing schedule?

BlueAbyss · #1 10-09-2009, 07:57 PM

I test before every water change (Ca, Mg, alk). I dose the water change to 440 ppm Ca, and 1320 ppm Mg, using IO salt (which tends to mix up with relatively high alk, mine is generally 11). I dose Tailored Aquatics products (Calcium Plus, Reef Magnesium) for Ca and Mg, and use a tiny bit of Arm and Hammer baking soda (to keep alk up) in between water changes. Since I do a water change every week (though I have occasionally gone 2) and I know how much my tank uses in a day, I directly dose the tank once daily for Ca and Mg (I dose a lot less Mg, unless I forget completely

I just remembered I didn't dose yesterday). The baking soda I use once a week, in between water changes. Seems to work for me so far, but I don't have any SPS, just coralline and an open brain. I may have to try something different when I get some SPS in there.

lobsterboy · #2 10-09-2009, 08:20 PM

looks like alot of reefers are using, the RHF method for keepin parms in line.

untamed · #3 10-09-2009, 08:48 PM

This question has provided some interesting replies! Good one.

I run a Kalk reactor during night hours only, and run a Ca reactor continuously. Both are controlled with pH meters and peristaltic pumps linked to the controller. These supply all my Ca/KH requirements.

I test Alk once per week (unless I'm having some problems). Maybe test Ca monthly, but I generally assume it is linked to Alk. I might test Mg only every 3 months. I've never had to dose Mg, which I cannot explain.

lobsterboy · #4 10-09-2009, 08:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by untamed

I might test Mg only every 3 months. I've never had to dose Mg, which I cannot explain.

yeah this applies to me as well, i use reefers best salt, so maybe thats why..?

untamed · #5 10-09-2009, 09:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lobsterboy

yeah this applies to me as well, i use reefers best salt, so maybe thats why..?

Doesn't explain it for me...I've used a variety of salts. Weekly 10% water changes, possibly?

lobsterboy · #6 10-09-2009, 09:09 PM

I guess there is enough mg in the seachem advantage calcium that my reef needs.
and i do a 10% wc, every two weeks.

BlueAbyss · #7 10-10-2009, 01:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by untamed

Doesn't explain it for me...I've used a variety of salts. Weekly 10% water changes, possibly?

Since you run a Ca Reactor, chances are that the media you use has a good proportion of Mg to Ca... if you're using crushed coral skeleton as your media, that should have the perfect balance of everything that stony corals need, right? (My thinking might be off here, but that's what I always thought...)