Switching to Two Part Solution with LiterMeter 3

[cmm1970austin]

I just ordered up the gear to retrofit my 6 year old 150 gallon tank with the TwoPart Solution system using a LiterMeter. I have grown tired of the fickle nature of the Korrallin and Precision Marine Calium reactors that have given me fits over the years. Anyway, I don't want to generate contention over calcium reactors, so on to my query.

I realize that in going this direction, I will need to be very good about regular water changes to prevent build up of excess ions associated with the two part salts. Other than this, are there other issues that I will need to tend to like trace elements or what not due to not dissolving aragonite in the reactor any longer?

Thanks for the insight.

Mike

 

[brandonberry]

Excess Ion build-up shouldn't be a problem unless you are just using Magnesium Sulfate for your Magnesium additions. If you are using the the 3/5 ratio of Magnesium Sulfate to Magnesium Chloride, your parameters should stay pretty close to NSW according to Randy's article. One element that is not mentioned is Strontium. I have not done a lot of research on Strontium, however I have seen various references that it is an important element for coral growth. I may consider using Kent Turbo Strontium if I decide to switch over to just using 2-part supplement. Water changes may be sufficient to add enough depending on the level in the salt you use. Everyone seems to have a different opinion on iodine. I've tryed both Lugols and Potassium Iodide and currently don't add either. I've really never seen any difference in any scenario, so I figure, why bother. I would guess that a lot of the trace elements are added with food.

 

[cmm1970austin]

I have had the LiterMeter running for 4 weeks now and I am pleased. The installation was neat and clean and the tank chemistry has stabilized nicely. I was able to bring the Calcium and Alkalinity up very easily following a 25 gal. water change on my 150 gal. tank. My inverts have shown improvement in polyp extension due to the more ideal conditions of Calcium at 400, Alkalinity 9, and pH of 8.1.