Dosing Recomendations

[geckofrog]

Alright, I need a dosing pump, one that is quiet and obviously the cheaper the better

TIA.

-Ryan

 

[roka64]

Why are you dosing and what?

 

[geckofrog]

Im dosing CA for my reef

 

[roka64]

I don't doase anything. I don't have any experience with reefs, but I have read a lot on this forum and folks say regular PWC should keep your levels up, but I could be wrong.

 

[geckofrog]

That would normally work, but i use Instant Ocean only and it only bumps my levels up to 160, i need 400-450...and I very comfortable for the 9 years Ive been in the saltwater hobby.

 

[roka64]

Ok, sorry, lol! Don't they have IO "reef salt".....Anyway, I'll let the more experienced jump in adn help....

 

[melosu58]

I dont dose and rely on PWC with oceanic and calcium stays at 400-450. I also have had my reef 9 yrs. If you are doing PWC every week and calcium is only 160 you`ve got some bum salt. I ussually dont reccomend it but you need to change if that`s all your getting out of your salt mix.

 

[ntswift]

I've been using Oceanic also and do supplement. My Ca is at like 465. Try switching over to see if it helps you at all. Mine was really low also when I was using IO. It was around 300. The Oceanic really made a difference.

 

[geckofrog]

hmm, I'll order some of that oceanic stuff you guys talk to highly about...
thanks guys!

 

[2revup]

i have been using IO for a while and my calcum is through the roof at 520

 

[MT79]

i use Instant Ocean only and it only bumps my levels up to 160, i need 400-450

I've been using IO for years. IO tests at 340-350ppm CA right out of the box. Adding some CA to your fresh saltwater is a good way to solve this. If your tank water is reading 160 you need to bring that up w/ an additive. PWC's would take a very long time and a lot of hassle to correct that low a number w/ any salt mix.

hmm, I'll order some of that oceanic stuff you guys talk to highly about

Be cautious. Changing salt mixes can/will stress animals especially inverts. If you do switch do it gradually through small PWC's.
FWIW I don't like Oceanic!

dont they have IO "reef salt"

Yes-IO Reef Crystals. I just got a bucket of it. It test the same on CA as regular IO.

 

[roka64]

Does CC add to calcium? I'm just curious since that is really what CC is...a lot of calcium buildup....right?

 

[MT79]

Does CC add to calcium?

AFAIK no. Only when the PH falls below a certain level will the carbonates dissolve into the water and boost the Alk/Ph. It's not just CC- aragonite sand, LR will also do this.

 

[roka64]

OK, thanks MT!!!