Should i Start Dosing Alk and Calcium

KDG730

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Hi guys just got my first 4 frags. 2 favias 1 monti cap (i think thats what it is) and a duncan. 75g tank w 20g sump

my question is do i need to start dosing right away? Or will 4 small frags not need it for a while and the levels will be ok with water changes?

i do have Brs two part ready to go and im thinking about ordering a hanna alk checker because ive read that is the most important thing to monitor. Using API right now hard to get accurate reading
 

Mikedawg

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Hi guys just got my first 4 frags. 2 favias 1 monti cap (i think thats what it is) and a duncan. 75g tank w 20g sump

my question is do i need to start dosing right away? Or will 4 small frags not need it for a while and the levels will be ok with water changes?

i do have Brs two part ready to go and im thinking about ordering a hanna alk checker because ive read that is the most important thing to monitor. Using API right now hard to get accurate reading
Since you don't know current alk/cal usage or whether regular water change will sufficiently replace all/cal consumption, you should do nothing until you use good test kits to monitor/understand levels of consumption. I suspect that four small drags will have marginal impact, at least at first. Chasing numbers is often difficult and expensive, especially when you don't have to. Good luck
 

Joedubyk

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i can almost guarantee you do not need to dose at the moment.
 

Payne Train

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Hi guys just got my first 4 frags. 2 favias 1 monti cap (i think thats what it is) and a duncan. 75g tank w 20g sump

my question is do i need to start dosing right away? Or will 4 small frags not need it for a while and the levels will be ok with water changes?

i do have Brs two part ready to go and im thinking about ordering a hanna alk checker because ive read that is the most important thing to monitor. Using API right now hard to get accurate reading
I am becoming curious of this as well - I have a handfull of duncans and a fathead dendro. I am doing my water changes every 10-14 days (about 20%)
I am planning on getting some frogspawn/hammer/torch type coral here pretty soon.

I use RedSea coral pro reef salt mix that has Alk and Cal nutrients in it. I use that salt with the thought that maybe water changes will be enough for some time.
 

jack_aubry

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way easier to over shoot when there is not enough demand than to get levels too low. Don't make my mistake and dose before you need to.
 

WIReefer

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I would order better test kits like stated above most likely water changes will do the job if you have to dose I would suggest kalkwasser.
 
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KDG730

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Thanks everyone very helpful replies. Looks like im gonna order some more accurate test kits and just use the water changes for a while until the demand is needed
 
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KDG730

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Question with this now. Since im relying on the water changes for now and im only using instant ocean salt

Would it be benficial to switch to a different salt that has my target parameters, more calcium alk etc? Reef crystals or another?
 

Randy Holmes-Farley

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Measure alkalinity with a kit. If and when it drops below where you want it, dose.

Don't be afraid to dose. But don't dose unless a test indicates the need.
 

Randy Holmes-Farley

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Question with this now. Since im relying on the water changes for now and im only using instant ocean salt

Would it be benficial to switch to a different salt that has my target parameters, more calcium alk etc? Reef crystals or another?

It is likely fine. What are your target levels?
 
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KDG730

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It is likely fine. What are your target levels?

i couldnt tell you to be honest. Api kit reading 7 dkh a few times today one time it was 8. I did it 3 or 4 times. Again not sure how accurate ive heard things. But 7 Seems low?

Tank will mostly be LPS for now. Any recommendations on levels to shoot for?
 

Adam Schindler

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I was very disappointed with API results. I switched to salifert for most. I do use Hanna for alk now. Api seemed to consistently be all over the place.
 
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KDG730

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I was very disappointed with API results. I switched to salifert for most. I do use Hanna for alk now. Api seemed to consistently be all over the place.
Yeah that’s definitely what im seeing. I do think im going to get the hanna for alk just seems so much easier and accurate
 

Adam Schindler

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Yea I have a Hanna cal, alk, and ulr phosphate. The calcium can be kinda iffy at times. I stick with salifert for cal normally. But the Alk checker is awesome!
 

Randy Holmes-Farley

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7d
i couldnt tell you to be honest. Api kit reading 7 dkh a few times today one time it was 8. I did it 3 or 4 times. Again not sure how accurate ive heard things. But 7 Seems low?

Tank will mostly be LPS for now. Any recommendations on levels to shoot for?

7-8 dKH is fine.
 
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