Two-Part or Three-Part?

What are the essentials for the DIY calcium and alkalinity supplements? I am dosing calcium chloride and baking soda directly into my tank, I do not pre-mix with RO water. Since I am not using B-Ionic do I need to add magnesium chloride/magnesium sulfate (Epsom salt) every time I add the calcium chloride or should I add the magnesium when my levels are low? Will dosing only calcium chloride and baking soda cause an imbalance? I perform 30% water changes with Tropic Marin Pro Reef every two weeks.

 

Your TM doesnt give you the levels that you need/want? Luna

 

My calcium and alkalinity demand is very high because of my stony corals. I need to add calcium every four days and baking soda everyday! My magnesium stays level at 1,350 ppm.

 

If your needs are as high as you say they are, try keeping your Mag at 1500ppm. You will see your Alk and Cal levels more stable. Luna

 

I have posted this many times to guys that the use of pure bicarbonate soda to maintain DKH will actually only lower the DKH or create a demand that can exhaust it sooner . Baking soda will produce carbon dioxide with the addition of an acid.
And its that acid you are trying to off set by adding the pure baking soda. When I see guys just dumping in Arm and hammer alone to keep P.H or Carbonate levels up I would call it a Yo Yo effect more you add the more you need to add. I have seen guys one day to just watch their Ph just flat line when the conditions where right.. This is why all commercial buffering agents have other buffers added to them who'd pay 12.00 for a 1/2 pound of Bicarbonate soda ? when you can buy a 5 lb box for 2.98 at any store like wal mart or K mart . You mix that Bi carbonate with some borate or borax then you'd find it to work much better .