calcium/alk issues..

Maverick00 · #1 01-20-2011, 04:02 AM

Instant Ocean

apexifd · #2 01-20-2011, 04:24 AM

they have low mag content. I am also using it, but, after realizing about their low mag level, I am now starting to raising it up when I mix up fresh salt water.

Maverick00 · #3 01-20-2011, 04:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by apexifd

they have low mag content. I am also using it, but, after realizing about their low mag level, I am now starting to raising it up when I mix up fresh salt water.

thats a great idea, is it common practice to mix multiple additives in new saltwater to get your optimal water parameters before adding it to your tank? i think im alittle behind here. ive only recently started getting into dosing.

apexifd · #4 01-20-2011, 05:04 AM

I dunno how much people are actually doing this, but, for sure that I am not the only one.

although it's easier to just start using better salt. I still have 2 full buckets of IO salt, so, it's gonna take me awhile to be able to use them up.

ultreef · #5 01-20-2011, 05:54 AM

IO mixes out to these for me

ALK: 11
Ca: 380
Mg: 1300

I up the Ca to 430 and Mg to 1350.

10% water change doesn't affect my overall alk in my system.

What test kit are you using and how old are they? Also, remember not to do your testing right after water change or right after you dose your cal & alk. Give it time to mix through out the system.

mark · #6 01-20-2011, 07:10 AM

sort of the same thing when using a reactor. Easy enough (and cheap in using bulk) to supplement the IO for water changes, then just use the dosing to maintain levels. Not a bad idea to test each new bucket different batches will vary.

Maverick00 · #7 01-20-2011, 07:05 PM

Im using salifert test kits with good expiry dates. Thanks for the tips ill update in a few weeks.

Maverick00 · #8 01-29-2011, 04:49 AM

Well its been a week and it seems i have things on the right track. I dosed only Code A (cal) and bought powdered magnesium and mixed to spec.

Cal 495
Mag 1305
Alk 7.9
PH 8.1

Still needs alittle tweaking but other than that I guess to maintain this ill just start with 10ml of Cal one day, then 10ml of Alk the next and see where that goes in the next 7 days, Thanks again for all the replies.