Kalk vs Auto Doser

[njtiger24 aquariums]

Guys,
I seen many people talking about adding kalk to their top off. I have not done so but I do understand it helps raise pH and Alk correct? I been manual dosing Red Sea Reef Foundation (Ca, Alk, and Mag). My pH is in the safe range but I know higher the better. Also I dose weekly (after testing) and I don't seem to be able to get my alk to 10 (basing my numbers off the Red Sea guide). I am wondering if I should give a kalk a try or look into an auto doser?

Let me know what you guys think and pros/cons/tricks to what you guys do.

P.S here my numbers from today

pH - 8.1
Nitrite - 0
Nitrate - 15
Cal - 450
Alk - 7.8
Phosphate - 0
Mag - 1380

Thanks

 

[jgraz]

Numbers look very solid to me. I see no reason to change what your doing if all stays as is. Of course dosing more frequently in lesser amounts would be most desirable vs a larger amount once a week.

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[horseplay]

pH is a function of Co2 and Alkalinity. Reducing Co2 (opening windows for example) will increase pH. 8.1 is nothing to worry about. Mine ranges 8.0 - 8.4 during the day.

Alk @7.8 is good. NSW is around 7.0. Lighting, nutrient and alk need to work together. Higher alk level reduces the margin of error.

If you see a lot of SPS in your tank's future, invest in a doser.

 

[njtiger24 aquariums]

pH is a function of Co2 and Alkalinity. Reducing Co2 (opening windows for example) will increase pH. 8.1 is nothing to worry about. Mine ranges 8.0 - 8.4 during the day.

Alk @7.8 is good. NSW is around 7.0. Lighting, nutrient and alk need to work together. Higher alk level reduces the margin of error.

If you see a lot of SPS in your tank's future, invest in a doser.

I did know about the CO2 and pH and figured Alk had something to do with it as well. My weekly testing my pH goes from 7.8/7.9 when the windows are shut and 8.0/8.2 when the windows are open. I hope to get a pH sensor for my controller so I can keep a closer eye on my pH to see how it flux.

I have a mix tank with mostly softie and sps and hope to get some lps soon.

Thanks for the info @horseplay

 

[kschweer]

I agree with the others. Your numbers look very good. A doser may be nice to add so you don't have to manually dose but I personally wouldn't change the numbers.

 

[jgraz]

I agree with the others. Your numbers look very good. A doser may be nice to add so you don't have to manually dose but I personally wouldn't change the numbers.

Agreed on the Doser. Oddly enough I believe there is someone here selling just that. And canisters too. WOW
[emoji1] [emoji1] [emoji1] [emoji1] [emoji1] [emoji1] [emoji1] [emoji1]

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[njtiger24 aquariums]

Agreed on the Doser. Oddly enough I believe there is someone here selling just that. And canisters too. WOW
[emoji1] [emoji1] [emoji1] [emoji1] [emoji1] [emoji1] [emoji1] [emoji1]

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@jgraz I did see you were selling dosing pumps, canisters, and other stuff. I am keeping them in mind as I do research into my option. If I go with a dosing system I want to get one that I can tie into my controller which I am working on. I just need to do the research and wait until funding coming around, these darn thing called bills always get in the way lol.

 

[jgraz]

Those darn bills is why I'm getting out. Plus my wrangler asked for bigger tires and a lift.


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