Check my numbers...?

I just received the two part calcium and alkalinity package from BRS. I'm working through the numbers and want to make sure mine are correct before proceeding to add anything to my 70 gal tank.

Current Params:

PH: 8.2
SG: 1.024
Ca: 340
Dkh: 9
Ammonia: 0
Nitrite: 0
Nitrate: 10

**I'm trying to raise Ca to 400 and Dkh to 10**

Per the caculator, I'm not supposed to raise Ca more than 50ppm per day, so for this example, I am adjusting my value to follow that instruction:

REEF CALCULATOR - English


Starting Ca: 340
Ending Goal Ca: 390 (this will eventually be adjusted to be >400 once my level comes up)
Ca Solution Needed: 358.2 ml; 12.1 fl oz; 71.6 tsp

Starting Dkh: 9
Goal Dkh: 10
Alk Solution Needed: 140 ml; 4.7 fl oz; 28 tsp


So just drip in 358.2 ml and 140 ml Ca and Alk respectively and I'll be set? Do I have to worry about my pH coming up with that much Alk solution? It says not to raise pH by more than .20 per day. Any experiences or pointers?

I appreciate the help and appologize for the long boring email. Thanks from a newbie!!!! ;D

 

better check you MAG too.with CA that low mag prolly is too.all 3 need to be with in limits so you can have a balance. mag tween 1300-1500

 

Thanks guys.

Nugio, I understand the Ca, Alk, Mag and Ph relationships, but the BRS kit instructs users:

"Once the dose is dialed in continue daily dosing until the gallon jugs of Calcium and Alkalinity are finished. At this point it is time to dose 20oz of the Magnesium solution. This can be done entirely in one dose just remember to add slowly to a high flow area of the tank."

Does anyone disagree with this and/or have any suggestions?

 

you shouldnt dose anything youre not testing for. im thinking that the 20oz is due to the fact that you know your MAG was with in limits prior to dosing CA/ALK,thus by the time youre done w/the one gallons your due for mg

 

When I started dosing I raised Mag to the desired level first, then followed your BRS directions from there.

What is your current Mag reading?
If it's too low you can add Cal till the cows come home and all it will do is precipitate into the tank.

 

No problem, DXJoe. Glad to help.

 

Okay, so my action plan is as follows:

1. Get a GD Mag test!
2. Increase (in the likely case that Mag is too low) Mag level to roughly 1350.
3. Re-test Ca and Alk
4. Dose according to the BRS calculator, then determine daily "maintenance" dose, per their instructions.

Does that sounds reasonable to everyone? I hope so, bc I'm getting cross eyed..! Lol!

 

Sounds good to me, just make sure to not dose mag more than 100ppm per day and you should be good.

 

yes, that is a reasonable plan of action
+1 to Ultraner on the 100ppm per day limit