Blank Slate what should I dose?

[Blitheran]

Hello Reefers!

I'm in the planning stages of setting up a Red Sea Reefer 170, and I'm going all-in on an SPS-dominated, Acropora-focused reef. I'll be running the Apex Neptune system for full control, and I have two DOS units one standard and one QD, giving me a total of four dosing heads.

Since this will be an Acro-heavy setup, I'm planning my dosing strategy early to stay ahead of demand.

Here’s my question for you all:
If you had four DOS heads to work with, what would you dose and why?

I’ve been considering a combination of BRS 2-Part (Balling Method) alongside Kalkwasser dosing at night using an Avast Marine Kalk Stirrer. I’d really appreciate any feedback, personal experiences, or alternative approaches you’d recommend for long-term success in an SPS system.

Looking forward to your thoughts!

Picture of reef dry :)

 

[bubbgee]

Nothing at this point. You do need to test the major elements first until you see a point where you see a significant drop in alkalinity that water changes cannot compensate for. When that happens, you will know how much alk and cal is consumed in a day and calculate your dosing.

 

[Blitheran]

Nothing at this point. You do need to test the major elements first until you see a point where you see a significant drop in alkalinity that water changes cannot compensate for. When that happens, you will know how much alk and cal is consumed in a day and calculate your dosing.

I think you are missing my point... reef is dry. Curious to what others would choose with the given DOS heads. I like to research and with all the dosing options, I want to understand other peoples, why.

 

[bubbgee]

I think you are missing my point... reef is dry. Curious to what others would choose with the given DOS heads. I like to research and with all the dosing options, I want to understand other peoples, why.

Ah ok.

There's different strategies here. I used my DoS for two part. And a separate dosing pump for my avast k1 (used a kamoer -- watch Inappropriate Reefer's setup which I followed).

If I had 4 DOS heads, I'd use for two part balling, one for each trace (TM A and K) and a separate pump for the Avast -- reason is that I dont like the Dos for continuous dosing.

 

[Blitheran]

Ah ok.

There's different strategies here. I used my DoS for two part. And a separate dosing pump for my avast k1 (used a kamoer -- watch Inappropriate Reefer's setup which I followed).

If I had 4 DOS heads, I'd use for two part balling, one for each trace (TM A and K) and a separate pump for the Avast -- reason is that I dont like the Dos for continuous dosing.

Really? Not a fan of QD?

 

[bubbgee]

Really? Not a fan of QD?

I've read issues with the QD for continuous dosing. They have posts about it on forums. Also, having using the DOS and trying out programming for it to use on the Avast K1, I didn't get what I was expecting with my pH and alk.

Some reviews:
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/anyone-using-new-neptune-dos-quiet-drive.1057768/

 

[bubbgee]

Ah ok.

There's different strategies here. I used my DoS for two part. And a separate dosing pump for my avast k1 (used a kamoer -- watch Inappropriate Reefer's setup which I followed).

If I had 4 DOS heads, I'd use for two part balling, one for each trace (TM A and K) and a separate pump for the Avast -- reason is that I dont like the Dos for continuous dosing.

Another idea is if you're running really low nutrients is to swap out the TM A and K with NeoPhos/Ammonia and NeoNitro. This is best if you have something that monitors your nutrients like Trident NP.

 

[X-37B]

I have your system.
I run esv 2 part with kamoer f1 pumps.
I also dose trace into my ato.
I do this on the rs170, ext 50, and 15.
Simple and effective. I use the simplicity 2l containers for the 2 part. They fit under the stand.

 

[Blitheran]

I have your system.
I run esv 2 part with kamoer f1 pumps.
I also dose trace into my ato.
I do this on the rs170, ext 50, and 15.
Simple and effective. I use the simplicity 2l containers for the 2 part. They fit under the stand.

How are you doing trace into the ATO? First time I have heard that

 

[X-37B]

I

How are you doing trace into the ATO? First time I have heard that

I dose dsr ez trace into my ato.
It's a liquid and contains these elements. Been doing it like this for years and have backed up results with icp.

 

[X-37B]

Just took this of my sump area.

 

[40yreefer]

I think you are missing my point... reef is dry. Curious to what others would choose with the given DOS heads. I like to research and with all the dosing options, I want to understand other peoples, why.

I've used Two Little Fishes 2 part C-balance for the past 20 years, mainly for the simplicity of it. Have had great results with SPS dominant Acropora tanks. It gets pretty expensive as your corals grow exponentially and consume more and more. Seems like I'm always increasing the dosing levels. I'm setting up a new tank now and looking at other dosing methods that may be less expensive over the long haul.
I have 6 Hydros dosers on the new tank. Using 2 for C-balance, 3 for a Hydros IV alkalinity tester (Fill, drain, and Reagent) to enable Dynamic dosing and one spare.