Dosing

the_bandit

the_bandit

Member
Well Ive kept for LPS and Softies for about a year now and I really enjoy them. I also do enjoy SPS but haven't wanted to take the leap in fear of killing a beautiful Acro or something of that sort.
I dont want to buy a Calcium reactors or anything like that. I want to depend on technology to a certain point but there have been countless times Ive read threads where the calcium or Magnesium get dumped into the tank and the tank crashes due to something failing.
I'd like to dose what is needed to keep SPS but I dont know where to start. I wont be getting into SPS till I upgrade to a 75g or 90g tank hopefully soon *crossing fingers* I'd like to take this time in between to learn as much as possible about keeping them.
I plan on buying an RO/DI unit, I will probably have Koralia #3's for movement along with the return pump, and I will be shooting to get a 4ft 2x 250W MH, 4x 54W T5 HO lighting system. I will also be getting a larger skimmer but not sure on that yet.
So, if someone with maybe a 75-90g tank caring for SPS, or anyone that keeps SPS for that matter, can tell me what they dose, how much, what brands, and when they dose Id appreciate it. You could also be so kind as to recommend some starter SPS that I can try out first.
 
geoj

geoj

Active Member
Seachem Reef buffer will raise carbonic hardness and push pH up more then Seachem Reef builder
Seachem Reef builder will raises carbonic hardness (alk) with little effect on pH
Seachem Reef advantage calcium
I would recommend start by dissolving the amount of additive needed in RO water and drip it in over 2-4 hours when you learn how much you need in a week then you can go to a dosing pump and add your top-off with the buffer or calcium
I use a Peristaltic pump from Control Company to drip additives in all day
One of theses
Cat. No. 3384 Variable-Speed Peristaltic Tubing Pump -- Ultra-Low Flow 0.005 to 0.900 ml/minute
Cat. No. 3385 Variable-Speed Peristaltic Tubing Pump -- Low Flow 0.03 to 8.20 ml/minute
You will need to test Alk and calcium, to see the effect the amount you add has, so I will not say how much you will need.
Montipora capricornis
Pocillopora damicornis
 
the_bandit

the_bandit

Member
If I were to fill my tank with RO/DI water, use RO/DI water for top off and water changes and only have 1 or 2 SPS, would I need to dose anything?
 
xcali1985

xcali1985

Active Member
Lot of light for a 90 gallon, youll have never ending temp swings. I use a Current USA 8x54 T5 light fixture and everything is bright and thriving and will probably save you 200$ or so also you wont have the heating issues.
I was also able to save money on powerheads by attaching a spraybar onto the return line and angling the little nozzels in different directions. Just get a pump rated at about 600gph after headloss. Ill post some picks of my tank. Flow is great and 0 algae problems. Guarantee you that spending 100-150$ on a bigger return pump will save you when having to buy 3-4 powerheads.
As far as dosing is involved, only should be done in emergencies IMHO and if possible simple WCs. I do 5 gallons a week on my 80 w/ 20gal sump. every time a test its right on. The good salt mixes contain everything you need to maintain seawater level or better parameters.
 
the_bandit

the_bandit

Member
Ive always wanted MH so I may go with those but hang them instead of mounting them on the tank. The system is only $350 and I think the 8x54w T5 is more. Ill have to scan CL and EB for deals.
For powerheads I dont mind cost. Id rather have powerheads and a large return pump. Ill probably go for a Mag 7 or 9.5.
For salt I use IO or Coralife. Not sure if that is the "good" stuff. When doing WC, what should I add to the new water?
It will help though that I will be using RO/DI water correct?
 
xcali1985

xcali1985

Active Member
If you using a RO/DI unit then add nothing, if using tap water added a tap water conditioner to remove chlorine and such.
 
flower

flower

Well-Known Member

My 2 bits...Just dosing is a very bad idea.
Get some good reef tests. They tell you what your levels should be for coral. Than you can ask how much is needed to bring it up to what. Just asking what folks use to dose their tank and how much won't help YOUR system, since all are different.
Always use RO water RO/DI even better. Get the very best lights you can. Good water flow is a must...nycbob says mushrooms sting sps coral real bad. Mushrooms spread so much, so I don't think you should get any if you want sps corals.
Doing your homework before jumping in….you are going to do well because that is the correct mindset for a successful reef...

P.S.
Get power heads that have a magnet to attach it to the tank. TRUST me on this.
 
nycbob

nycbob

Active Member
if u r just keeping a few sps along with softies and lps, there is no need to dose. weekly water change is plenty. i am sure if u hv seen my tank. i dont dose anything except maybe calcium there and there when it is low. i change my water every 3-4 days and its enough to keep my sps and clams happy.
 
the_bandit

the_bandit

Member
Thank you everyone for the wealth of information.
I do plan on not adding any SPS till maybe 4-6 month after my tank has started.
I will be doing 5-10g water changes every Wednesday.
I plan on getting 2 or 3 Koralia#3's for flow along with return pump.
Right now I have about 100lbs of LR in my 55g reef that I plan on putting into the new tank. Should I get more or subtract some rock for the new tank? I would like to have 2 islands of rock and the rest be open space for coral growth and area for fish to swim.
Sound good?
 
geoj

geoj

Active Member
Originally Posted by The_Bandit
http:///forum/post/3191820
If I were to fill my tank with RO/DI water, use RO/DI water for top off and water changes and only have 1 or 2 SPS, would I need to dose anything?
You need to test even if you are only using Water Changes.
I recommend that you start testing Calcium and Alkalinity now so you can determine how you will keep these in good standing.
I also would buy Marine Chemistry by: Brightwell
RO/DI water is used to control algae, most tap has phosphate, silicate, and ammonia that we don’t want in large amounts.
You can use distilled water also in the long run it cost more but can be convenient at times.
You can get by with water changes for a long time before you would need to dose.
 
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