I switched from IO to RC about a year ago. This brought my perimeters where they need to be. In the past 6 months or so its been a pain to keep my ALK above 7dkh. If I try to dose equal parts of alk (Baked baking soda) and cal (BRS 2 part stuff) my cal. goes way up. My cal pretty much stays at 420-460 all the time without adding anything. I try to do a 10 percent water change every week. My problem is I cann't dose 20ml alk(that is what it has been taking) everyday because of my work schedule (48 on 48 off) My son trys to keep this up butttttt. I realy can not afford a auto doser at this point but plan to get one ASAP. Is there any other suggestions that may help my situation? I would build my ALK slowly over a couple of days till it hits 9-10dkh. After about 2 days it will be at 6-7 dkh with no change in cal. My mag pretty much stays at 1450.