low calcium/b ionic

[Manny]

I've been dosing the B-Ionic calcium buffer system for the past year. My levels were pretty good (KH/ALK @ 9.9/3.54,Calcium @ 425ppm). After adding a few things in the past month and not testing for about 3 months:sad2: my calcium has dropped to 330-335ppm. KH/Alk is still ok at 9.3/3.31

My question is... Can you dose other than 1to1 with the Calcium Buffer System? The directions say "Never add more than 1ml. per gallon of each Component in a 24 hour period". Does this mean if I have a 30 gallon tank, I shouldn't add more than 30ml's of one more than the other:scratch:? I don't know why these directions are confusing me so much:headache:

If I can't dose the 2part unevenly, how would I go about raising my calcium without skyrocketing my Alk. and PH?

thanks
-manny

 

[meschaefer]

You can use either part by itself to raise one or the other ratio, but you want to dose in a 1 to 1 ratio to maintain your levels. I recall reading an article by Randy Holmes Farley on reefcentral that discussed falling calcium levels, and his solution was to dose at a higher level, but still in the 1 to 1 ratio.

 

[Deanos]

You can dose calcium as needed. Use the following:

Reef Chemistry Calculator

Once the levels are where you want them, resume dosing equal amounts of both parts.

 

[Manny]

Thanks guys:biggrin:

That reef chemistry calculator is AWESOME! It blew my mind how easy it was to calculate the exact amount and how to add it :teeth:.

MR never fails :approve:

 

[Manny]

Ok... calcium and alkalinity are both good:cheers:

When is the best time to test? I dose at 7:00am everyday. Is it better for me to test a couple minutes after or later in the day, like after work?

 

[cali_reef]

Test befor dosing, this way you know how much you should be dosing.

Hook that ACII up yet?

 

[Manny]

:headache:lol... I was afraid that was the right answer
I'm so :tired: in the morning, I love my :sleeping:.

Thanks again for the controller. It will be put to good use real soon!
I hope :happysad:

 

[cali_reef]

You don't have to test very often, maybe once every 3 days initially, then once a week, then once every two weeks... You will stop your self from testing often when all the perimeters are where you like them to be. I typically test the water after water changes and bring up the levels as needed.