What should I dose?

Ocean’s Piece

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My calcium and alkalinity have always been strange. My calcium is at 280-320 and my alkalinity is between 9-10 (it has gone down a lot. Used to be 11-12). I don’t have any corals in my tank right now but I intend to have mostly LPS and some softies. What should I dose to keep these parameters at the right levels?
 

Saltyreef

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Esv b-ionic is a great 2 part.

Youll want to adjust those numbers with their liquid alk, cal and mag should be tested for as well.

You may want to start off by getting the hang of your salinity the correct way as well as how to consistantly mix your salt water so the salinity value doesnt change much.

All your macro elements should be replenished in relative numbers during a water change with no corals.

I have a feeling something may be off with your salinity.
 
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Ocean’s Piece

Ocean’s Piece

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Esv b-ionic is a great 2 part.

Youll want to adjust those numbers with their liquid alk, cal and mag should be tested for as well.

You may want to start off by getting the hang of your salinity the correct way as well as how to consistantly mix your salt water so the salinity value doesnt change much.

All your macro elements should be replenished in relative numbers during a water change with no corals.

I have a feeling something may be off with your salinity.
I think it’s because I have it at 1.024 instead of 1.026 but I have been raising it the last two water changes. I haven’t seen much changes though and I’m currently at 1.025
 

Saltyreef

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I think it’s because I have it at 1.024 instead of 1.026 but I have been raising it the last two water changes. I haven’t seen much changes though and I’m currently at 1.025
What are you using to measure salinity?

I would adjust your macro element levels with the bionic 2 part as close as you can to your salt mixes given parameters. Means you should test a fresh mixed batch of salt water :)
 
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Ocean’s Piece

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What are you using to measure salinity?

I would adjust your macro element levels with the bionic 2 part as close as you can to your salt mixes given parameters. Means you should test a fresh mixed batch of salt water :)
Coralife DeepSix Hydrometer but I plan to get a conductivity meter soon
 

Saltyreef

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Coralife DeepSix Hydrometer but I plan to get a conductivity meter soon
That is likely your #1 issue.
That hydrometer is notorious for being waaaaay off.
I used one when i first started and my ran my reef @ 1.031 for years unknowingly.

Get yourself one of these ASAP. Its more accurate than anything else youll use.


After you get it and dial your salinity in, tackle your alk, calcium and magnesium levels.

What salt are you using?
 
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Ocean’s Piece

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That is likely your #1 issue.
That hydrometer is notorious for being waaaaay off.
I used one when i first started and my ran my reef @ 1.031 for years unknowingly.

Get yourself one of these ASAP. Its more accurate than anything else youll use.


After you get it and dial your salinity in, tackle your alk, calcium and magnesium levels.

What salt are you using?
Instant Ocean IO. Typically has lower levels of alk but I find it to be in the middle.
 
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That is likely your #1 issue.
That hydrometer is notorious for being waaaaay off.
I used one when i first started and my ran my reef @ 1.031 for years unknowingly.

Get yourself one of these ASAP. Its more accurate than anything else youll use.


After you get it and dial your salinity in, tackle your alk, calcium and magnesium levels.

What salt are you using?
And also thanks for that link. I was thinking about getting a digital one but you know those digital meters can be way off as well. I flick the hydrometer every single time but I do need to get a new one for sure.
 

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