AFR testing and alk drop

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I had the tube under water myself and found that's when it clogs down pipe or up pipe lol.

I cleaned mine but a few weeks later it was crystallizing again. I just ended up replacing the tube and its been 3 months now with no issue. Using the ecotech versa dose myself and just using clear silicon tube.

My plan is to merge Ro/di top off and AFR in the last inch or so to prevent crystallization due to evaporation or mixing with tank water.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I was told to submerge it to avoid the crystallization. Haha

That avoids evaporation, but risks calcium carbonate formation.

 

[246729]

Post to be able to PM

 

[Ian Baxter]

My plan is to merge Ro/di top off and AFR in the last inch or so to prevent crystallization due to evaporation or mixing with tank water.

I heard about that recently too. That’s probably the best bet.

 

[Ian Baxter]

My plan is to merge Ro/di top off and AFR in the last inch or so to prevent crystallization due to evaporation or mixing with tank water.

What would you use to connect them?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

What would you use to connect them?

Some folks use a “y” connector, but I think I will use a very short section (2-3”?) of tubing that both tube enter at the same end and just jam fit. Point it down, and there’s never any chance of siphoning one to the other because any fluid in the larger tubing just drains out into the sump.

 

[Ian Baxter]

Some folks use a “y” connector, but I think I will use a very short section (2-3”?) of tubing that both tube enter at the same end and just jam fit. Point it down, and there’s never any chance of siphoning one to the other because any fluid in the larger tubing just drains out into the sump.

On 5/5 the alk was at 7.2 and I raised my dose 5ml daily. I tested again last night, 5/7, and it was at 7.4. I raised it again 5ml. So theoretically it should be around 7.6 tomorrow evening. Does this sound about right? I want to get it around 8 dkh.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

On 5/5 the alk was at 7.2 and I raised my dose 5ml daily. I tested again last night, 5/7, and it was at 7.4. I raised it again 5ml. So theoretically it should be around 7.6 tomorrow evening. Does this sound about right? I want to get it around 8 dkh.

It’s a complicated analysis, and does not work exactly as you’ve written. Simplistically, if 5 mL extra per day is boosting alk above the daily demand, then you may not need to increase it more to stabilize at some higher alk level.

 

[Ian Baxter]

It’s a complicated analysis, and does not work exactly as you’ve written. Simplistically, if 5 mL extra per day is boosting alk above the daily demand, then you may not need to increase it more to stabilize at some higher alk level.

That’s a good point and makes more sense. Thanks!

 

[Ian Baxter]

It’s a complicated analysis, and does not work exactly as you’ve written. Simplistically, if 5 mL extra per day is boosting alk above the daily demand, then you may not need to increase it more to stabilize at some higher alk level.

Sorry to keep bothering you with all of my questions. On 5/5 my alk was 7.2 and I raised 5 ml daily. On 5/7 it was 7.4 and tonight it's 7.2. It seems like I am dosing the correct amount of AFR. Since I want to be at 8, can I use the Reef Code B to raise it and it should technically be stable for a while?

 

[rishma]

You can add an extra dose of AFR if you want to bump up the baseline.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

It’s never as simple as a boost since it will take more every day to keep it at 8. But either way can get you there.

 

[Ian Baxter]

It’s never as simple as a boost since it will take more every day to keep it at 8. But either way can get you there.

Oh okay. I just assumed that since it’s been stable at my current dose that I have the correct amount used each day. Then if I did a supplement dose to bump to 8 it would stay.

Also, I put the Y connector for the dosing line and the ATO line and it seems to be working great.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Oh okay. I just assumed that since it’s been stable at my current dose that I have the correct amount used each day. Then if I did a supplement dose to bump to 8 it would stay.

Also, I put the Y connector for the dosing line and the ATO line and it seems to be working great.

Sounds good. The bump with either AFR or the alk supplement is an ok way to go, you may just need a bit more each day to keep it there. :)

 

[Pntbll687]

Some folks use a “y” connector, but I think I will use a very short section (2-3”?) of tubing that both tube enter at the same end and just jam fit. Point it down, and there’s never any chance of siphoning one to the other because any fluid in the larger tubing just drains out into the sump.

I used the Y connector before, and the afr or alk suplement can still clog. I would jam fit them in a snug piece of tubing, and make sure the ro/di line is slightly above the afr so it washes the tip of the line of any crust that forms.

 

[Pntbll687]

Oh okay. I just assumed that since it’s been stable at my current dose that I have the correct amount used each day. Then if I did a supplement dose to bump to 8 it would stay.

Also, I put the Y connector for the dosing line and the ATO line and it seems to be working great.

if you're dose of afr is keeping alk stable, you can use another alk supplement to raise it where you want. Just test for a couple days after to make sure it is staying where you want it.
In the AFR instructions, I know nobody reads all of them, it does say to have alk/ca/mg on hand to make general adjustments in parameters. AFR is very good at keeping things stable, but not the best choice to try and raise levels.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

if you're dose of afr is keeping alk stable, you can use another alk supplement to raise it where you want. Just test for a couple days after to make sure it is staying where you want it.
In the AFR instructions, I know nobody reads all of them, it does say to have alk/ca/mg on hand to make general adjustments in parameters. AFR is very good at keeping things stable, but not the best choice to try and raise levels.

I know TM makes claims about how to use it, but I don’t agree with them. :)