Waterbox 175 infinia reef question

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

The alk is at 7.2 and I do not know how much is consumed I think it has been around that level everytime I have tested..I have a lot of small frags maybe 30 sps lps… I also do 10-15 gallon water changed every Sunday so

Assuming alk is fairly stable around 7, that is fine and I would not start up dosing AFR since it will increase alk.

 

[quickreefer]

Assuming alk is fairly stable around 7, that is fine and I would not start up dosing AFR since it will increase alk.

Man you think you’re not a noob then you get schooled lol … the chemistry position of reefing is like rocket science… iv rad really nice tanks before and never dosed but as im going with a lot more sps I figured I would have to

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Man you think you’re not a noob then you get schooled lol … the chemistry position of reefing is like rocket science… iv rad really nice tanks before and never dosed but as im going with a lot more sps I figured I would have to

With substantial SPS, I'd expect alk to start dropping. :)

 

[quickreefer]

With substantial SPS, I'd expect alk to start dropping. :)

How do I figure out the actual amount of water in the system with rock and sand displacement in order to start dosing the 5ml per 26 gallons

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

How do I figure out the actual amount of water in the system with rock and sand displacement in order to start dosing the 5ml per 26 gallons

Just guesstimate. If you put a tank picture, we can help.

 

[quickreefer]

Just guesstimate. If you put a tank picture, we can help.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

As a guess, id subtract 15-20% from the aquarium volume, and add any sump or refugium volume to it.

 

[quickreefer]

As a guess, id subtract 15-20% from the aquarium volume, and add any sump or refugium volume to it.

Water box lists the total tank volume at 183 gallons do you believe that to be accurate ?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Water box lists the total tank volume at 183 gallons do you believe that to be accurate ?

I have no reason to doubt it. :)

 

[quickreefer]

I have no reason to doubt it. :)

Randy is it possible doing testing to have a calcium reading of 479 and a alk reading of 7.9? Is that within reason ?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Randy is it possible doing testing to have a calcium reading of 479 and a alk reading of 7.9? Is that within reason ?

Yes. :)

 

[quickreefer]

Yes. :)

So when should I start afr and how much to dose ?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

So when should I start afr and how much to dose ?

When alkalinity drops below your target level. Amount will depend on how fast it drops, but it’s not critical what dose you start with because it will be adjusted over time based on the changes in alk.

 

[quickreefer]

When alkalinity drops below your target level. Amount will depend on how fast it drops, but it’s not critical what dose you start with because it will be adjusted over time based on the changes in alk.

Just do confused on how and when to start dosing afr

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Just do confused on how and when to start dosing afr

Let’s start by measuring alkalinity in your tank and take it step by step from there.

Step one: get an alk kit.

 

[quickreefer]

I have a Hanna alk tester

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Good. What is the tank water alkalinity now?

 

[quickreefer]

Was 7.9 yesterday

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Was 7.9 yesterday

Then you likely need little or no dosing since that alk is fine. I’d measure again in 4-5 days and see if it has changed.

 

[quickreefer]

Then you likely need little or no dosing since that alk is fine. I’d measure again in 4-5 days and see if it has changed.

Tested today and it’s alk 7.5 and calcium 436