Dosing And Testing Timeframe

[killer2001]

Was curious, after dosing certain elements, is there a required time frame before you can test the tank's water for the result.

For example, if I test 0.04 phosphate before dosing phosphate, how long do I need to wait for it to disperse in the water column. I'm sure water volume plays a part.

I guess I'm looking for a general list (if there is one) that would state something like:

100 Gallon System
Alkalinity: wait 12 hours to test
Phosphate: wait 24 hours to test
Calcium: wait 18 hours to test
etc etc

I'm sure there's probably more to it but I'm generally interested.

 

[Dan_P]

Was curious, after dosing certain elements, is there a required time frame before you can test the tank's water for the result.

For example, if I test 0.04 phosphate before dosing phosphate, how long do I need to wait for it to disperse in the water column. I'm sure water volume plays a part.

I guess I'm looking for a general list (if there is one) that would state something like:

100 Gallon System
Alkalinity: wait 12 hours to test
Phosphate: wait 24 hours to test
Calcium: wait 18 hours to test
etc etc

I'm sure there's probably more to it but I'm generally interested.

Waiting overnight is likely to be enough and the most practical. If you would like to know the answer, pick one of your tests and measure the concentration after dosing, say 1, 2, 4 and 24 hrs. This will give you an idea how fast your system mixes. I would pick alkalinity.

 

[killer2001]

Does alkalinity get consumed more throughout the photo-period or when the lights are off? Or no difference?

I was thinking of testing alkalinity when lights go out, recording value, then dosing, then run another test right before lights kick on. Lights go out at 6am and turn on 6pm. So maybe like a 7am test and 5pm test.

 

[Dan_P]

Does alkalinity get consumed more throughout the photo-period or when the lights are off? Or no difference?

I was thinking of testing alkalinity when lights go out, recording value, then dosing, then run another test right before lights kick on. Lights go out at 6am and turn on 6pm. So maybe like a 7am test and 5pm test.

That’s easy to determine for your system. Measure alkalinity before and after lights come on.

 

[doubleshot00]

Test everything at the same time of day. Like 3:00pm everyday and see how much your alk drops. Base your levels off that particular time.

 

[Uncle99]

I just wait for 24 hours and test same time of day, for any of them, just fine it easier.