How to dose calcium and alkalinity - Page 2

ibrat82 · 02/07/2016, 06:15 PM

So I calibrate my sybon refractometer with 35 ppt solution and my refractometer was off by .004. So instead me thinking it was 1.024 all along it was 1.020. So now I need to increase my salinity in my DT. What's the best method? 10 percent water changes with 1.026 water? Or can I do 20% weekly? I have nothing but 2 clowns, some ceriths, hermits, and nassarius snails.

gone fishin · 02/08/2016, 08:27 AM

The 2 easiest options is to either do it over time by WC's or to top off with saltwater until you reach your target salinity then go back to freshwater.

Once you get your salinity stable then check your alk, calc and mag. I think you will be pleasantly surprised. Good luck just my 2 cents.

vhuang168 · 02/08/2016, 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ibrat82

So I calibrate my sybon refractometer with 35 ppt solution and my refractometer was off by .004. So instead me thinking it was 1.024 all along it was 1.020. So now I need to increase my salinity in my DT. What's the best method? 10 percent water changes with 1.026 water? Or can I do 20% weekly? I have nothing but 2 clowns, some ceriths, hermits, and nassarius snails.

Top off with sw instead of ro/di

Use this calculator

https://www.hamzasreef.com/Contents/...aterTopOff.php

If you want to use water change method

Use this calculator

https://www.hamzasreef.com/Contents/...etSalinity.php

ibrat82 · 02/08/2016, 12:37 PM

So my top off reservoir will hold water for 4-5 days. Is this sufficient time to bring it from 1.020 - 1.026? it wont shock the fish and inverts will it if it done over 4-5 days?

Quote:

Originally Posted by vhuang168

Top off with sw instead of ro/di

Use this calculator

https://www.hamzasreef.com/Contents/...aterTopOff.php

If you want to use water change method

Use this calculator

https://www.hamzasreef.com/Contents/...etSalinity.php

gone fishin · 02/08/2016, 12:42 PM

I do not think it will do any harm over a 4-5 day period.

ibrat82 · 02/17/2016, 08:05 PM

So those that have been following I need your help again
So I got my salinity up to 35ppt however my alkalinity is still low. Here we what my readings are now. What can I do to bring up my alkalinity? I'm going to be putting in a mushroom and birdsnest in my tank soon and want to make sure I get everything upto par. Please advise

Alk 6.4
Magnesium 1335
Calcium 420
PH 7.78
Ammonia, Nitrite 0
Nitrate 5
Temple 77.7

ibrat82 · 02/18/2016, 11:56 AM

anyone?

Quote:

Originally Posted by ibrat82

So those that have been following I need your help again
So I got my salinity up to 35ppt however my alkalinity is still low. Here we what my readings are now. What can I do to bring up my alkalinity? I'm going to be putting in a mushroom and birdsnest in my tank soon and want to make sure I get everything upto par. Please advise

Alk 6.4
Magnesium 1335
Calcium 420
PH 7.78
Ammonia, Nitrite 0
Nitrate 5
Temple 77.7

gone fishin · 02/18/2016, 06:54 PM

Are you using the salifert test for alk? If so then make sure your using the right bottle. I have inadvertently grabbed the standard bottle that comes with the test kit and got a surprise result.

If that is not the case then if I recall you purchased a two part dosing kit. You can use a calculator like the one on the BRS site and raise the alk slowly to see if that takes care of the issue. Good luck

ibrat82 · 02/18/2016, 07:00 PM

I read that the aquavitro salinity salt uses borate to buffer alkalinity or ph and due to this the salifert alkalinity kits don't read boron. So my alkalinity might be as advertised on the bucket but how do I know for sure???

Quote:

Originally Posted by gone fishin

Are you using the salifert test for alk? If so then make sure your using the right bottle. I have inadvertently grabbed the standard bottle that comes with the test kit and got a surprise result.

If that is not the case then if I recall you purchased a two part dosing kit. You can use a calculator like the one on the BRS site and raise the alk slowly to see if that takes care of the issue. Good luck

gone fishin · 02/18/2016, 07:12 PM

I know it is a long shot but you don't happen to have another brand alk test. Maybe a LFS or a local reefer can do a double check for you to verify the salifert. I am not familiar with the aquavitro salt, so I can't help much there.

If you are unsure or question the salifert test then I would double check before attempting to raise it.

02/08/2016, 08:27 AM	#27
gone fishin Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Wyocena Wi Posts: 6,936	The 2 easiest options is to either do it over time by WC's or to top off with saltwater until you reach your target salinity then go back to freshwater. Once you get your salinity stable then check your alk, calc and mag. I think you will be pleasantly surprised. Good luck just my 2 cents. __________________ Tony Current Tank Info: 180gal DT, BM NAC77 skimmer,3 Maxspect razors, Maxspect Gyre 150, 30g QT

02/08/2016, 12:42 PM	#30
gone fishin Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Wyocena Wi Posts: 6,936	I do not think it will do any harm over a 4-5 day period. __________________ Tony Current Tank Info: 180gal DT, BM NAC77 skimmer,3 Maxspect razors, Maxspect Gyre 150, 30g QT

02/18/2016, 06:54 PM	#33
gone fishin Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Wyocena Wi Posts: 6,936	Are you using the salifert test for alk? If so then make sure your using the right bottle. I have inadvertently grabbed the standard bottle that comes with the test kit and got a surprise result. If that is not the case then if I recall you purchased a two part dosing kit. You can use a calculator like the one on the BRS site and raise the alk slowly to see if that takes care of the issue. Good luck __________________ Tony Current Tank Info: 180gal DT, BM NAC77 skimmer,3 Maxspect razors, Maxspect Gyre 150, 30g QT

02/18/2016, 07:12 PM	#35
gone fishin Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Wyocena Wi Posts: 6,936	I know it is a long shot but you don't happen to have another brand alk test. Maybe a LFS or a local reefer can do a double check for you to verify the salifert. I am not familiar with the aquavitro salt, so I can't help much there. If you are unsure or question the salifert test then I would double check before attempting to raise it. __________________ Tony Current Tank Info: 180gal DT, BM NAC77 skimmer,3 Maxspect razors, Maxspect Gyre 150, 30g QT

02/07/2016, 06:15 PM	#26
ibrat82 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2016 Posts: 292	So I calibrate my sybon refractometer with 35 ppt solution and my refractometer was off by .004. So instead me thinking it was 1.024 all along it was 1.020. So now I need to increase my salinity in my DT. What's the best method? 10 percent water changes with 1.026 water? Or can I do 20% weekly? I have nothing but 2 clowns, some ceriths, hermits, and nassarius snails.

02/17/2016, 08:05 PM	#31
ibrat82 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2016 Posts: 292	So those that have been following I need your help again So I got my salinity up to 35ppt however my alkalinity is still low. Here we what my readings are now. What can I do to bring up my alkalinity? I'm going to be putting in a mushroom and birdsnest in my tank soon and want to make sure I get everything upto par. Please advise Alk 6.4 Magnesium 1335 Calcium 420 PH 7.78 Ammonia, Nitrite 0 Nitrate 5 Temple 77.7