Params Keep Dipping

[CHSUB]

I currently top off daily by hand, can I do that using RODI saturated kalk? Would a gallon or so in the sump swing it to fast, or will I need to spread it out throughout the day until my auto topoff is set up?

yes you don’t want to just dump in a gallon. But kalk does it all: maintains both Alk and cal, elevates pH, and binds po4. I use it on a BRS Doser for about 7 hours per night, but I’m only 43 gallon system, so not appropriate for you but a larger flow Doser would be perfect. Maybe even the higher flow BRS on a timer that can turn it on/off several times an hour.

Alk and calcium are generally used in proportion, although some biological processes use Alk up independent of calcium. So I would check calcium because both could be low. It is very unlikely magnesium is low if you are doing WC.

Fixing Alk can help pH and higher pH is good to help control nuisance algae, per Julian Sprung.

 

[Wandering Albatross]

yes you don’t want to just dump in a gallon. But kalk does it all: maintains both Alk and cal, elevates pH, and binds po4. I use it on a BRS Doser for about 7 hours per night, but I’m only 43 gallon system, so not appropriate for you but a larger flow Doser would be perfect. Maybe even the higher flow BRS on a timer that can turn it on/off several times an hour.

Alk and calcium are generally used in proportion, although some biological processes use Alk up independent of calcium. So I would check calcium because both could be low. It is very unlikely magnesium is low if you are doing WC.

Fixing Alk can help pH and higher pH is good to help control nuisance algae, per Julian Sprung.

Both cal and mag have been pretty steady in comparison, 450 and 1350 ranges. Until I have a dedicated doser, would adding it to an auto topoff work, when it’s ready? Or should I hand dose throughout the day?

 

[CHSUB]

Both cal and mag have been pretty steady in comparison, 450 and 1350 ranges. Until I have a dedicated doser, would adding it to an auto topoff work, when it’s ready? Or should I hand dose throughout the day?

You can add to ATO, imo. Just insure it adds small amounts, some ATO depending on readings add large amounts vs several small amounts during the day.

If it is only Alk that is low you should correct that with baking soda or similar additive. There is a calculator somewhere in the chemistry section.