Dosing top-off RODI

I've gotten to the point of where my alk usage is exceeding my weekly water changes. I've read that I can just buffer my RODI topoff water instead of a regular dosing schedule however, I also read that I shouldn't touch the RODI topoff water and just dose the tank slowly.

Any thoughts on what I should do? My readings are about 7dKh normally with 420-450 Calc and 1300mag.

PH is usually around 8.3 throughout the day as well.

 

Why wouldn't you add kalk to the topoff? That is what i do. Just don't add the precipitate at the bottom.

 

I have reef buffer. So should I just calculate my target alk with the top off water and see how it goes for a couple weeks?

I read a couple places that it's not a good practice, which is why i'm bringing it up. Sounds like a good idea to me.

 

Ya, top off is just for top off. Evaporation rates can change too much and is not a very consistent way to dose.

Does not necessarily mean you have to dose every day. If your consumption is low then everyother day or so a little bit of alk is no big deal.

Salt mixes have different Ca and Alk levels... My question is why is your Ca not dropping. They are used up in equal parts so to speak so even if youe ovra Ca number is high and your aalk is low... your Ca should be dropping too. It's pretty rare to only have to dose one.

 

The only additive I put in this tank is a capfull of purple up a week. Not sure if that raises alk up but calcium is in there.

 

Ya... you're dosing calcium.... and other stuff.

 

Should I stop putting that crap in my tank, use topoff alk, and monitor both calc and alk?

 

I would stop using Purple up and look into dosing 2 part or Kalk. Dripping Kalk is cheap and easy. 2 part is great if you can remember to add it or have dosing pumps.

 

Ya, let calcium be calcium and alk be alk. If you are not using that much it is OK to mix it with top off... but just realize you need to keep your dose as a daily thing.... like say you dose a tablespoon every three days.... well put that tablespoon in a bucket of top off and use it up.... just don't make more sooner than 3 days and if it is taking 5 days to use up well make less. Just don't make up a standard and top off because topping off can always change.

Regardless what you do... you still need to get your numbers to a proper level.... then don't do anything for one week, then test again to see how much levels droped... and come up with what you weekly dose is... spread that out how ever you like.