when I started using AFR, I did a large water change on my system (30%), measured parameters, and then decided I wanted the magnesium slightly higher and same with alkalinity. Calcium was pretty close to where I wanted but on the lower end of the accepted range. Dosed the magnesium over 3 days and got it to 1450, then raised alkalinity to 9 using Red Sea part A over 4 days, 0.25 dKh at a time. And then started using AFR daily as instructed and raising until it was stable. Took me altogether 2 weeks to get parameters exactly where I wanted them. Now whenever I add many frags at a time or if I see my coralline is going nuts or if my colonies are going wild I test and adjust the volume a little and it all stays almost on cruise control. Everyone has their own way of doing things.