BRS 2 part.

[MizTanks]

I just started using BRS 2 part. Mixed according to directions. However last night and again tonight while adding the alk it turned to flake once it hit the tank water. Looked like it was snowing in my tank.
It's clear in the jug and clear in the cup before pouring.


There's nothing like being a Reefer!

[CalmSeasQuest]

Just add it to slowly to an area of higher flow, otherwise it will precipitate out.

[MizTanks]

BRS says this is normal :) I am adding it directly into the flow of my mp10. What do you mean, precipitate out?


There's nothing like being a Reefer!

[CalmSeasQuest]

Adding Alk to quickly, or in a low flow area increases the pH in that immediate area and causes calcium to precipitate out of solution (flakes or a localized snow storm.) Just dose it slower, or increase the flow and it will eliminate or minimize the precipitation.

It's not a big deal as long as the precipated calcium re-dissolves

[MizTanks]

Gotchya :) It's dissolving very quickly. Just freaked me out a little. Never had this using ESV. Hope it's not hurting anything but when I add it to my tank, I actually pour in directly into my power head.


There's nothing like being a Reefer!

[MizTanks]

Is it normal to have to use more of one then the other? After 3 days dosing at 15ml each my alk is 8.4 and ca is 420. I'm thinking I'd like my ca to be a little higher. Or is 420 ok?
Readings are from this morning before dosing ca. I dose alk at night. My ph this morning was 7.8. I'm going to test ph again tonight just after lights out, see how much it raises throughout the day.

[reefpoor]

I had the same problem, switched to recipe 2. Something you might want to try, worked out well in my case. Best of luck

[CalmSeasQuest]

Is it normal to have to use more of one then the other? After 3 days dosing at 15ml each my alk is 8.4 and ca is 420. I'm thinking I'd like my ca to be a little higher. Or is 420 ok?
Readings are from this morning before dosing ca. I dose alk at night. My ph this morning was 7.8. I'm going to test ph again tonight just after lights out, see how much it raises throughout the day.
Miz,

420 is fine - The perceived difference in Alk and Ca uptake is a very common misconception. Corals uptake Alk and Calcium at a consistent 1:1 ratio however there are variables that result in an apparent variance. For reference, every 1 mEq/L alkalinity (2.8 dKH) Alkalinity increase adds only 20ppm calcium. It takes a large ALk drop before you measure any noticable hange in Ca levels, so it "appears" that you are using more Alk then Ca.

A couple other variables can add to the confusion. Salt Mix - If your salt mix adds an imbalanced amount of either, it will appear as imbalanced usage in your testing. Mag - Low Mag or in some cases Strontium levels can impact Calcium/Alkalinity uptake.

pH changes with diurnal photosynthesis/respiration cycles and vary widely based on CO2 levels. It's not a good indicator of Alk or Ca unless you have known CO2 levels.

Here's a great reference for imbalances in Calcium and Alkalinity... When Do Calcium and Alkalinity Demand Not Exactly Balance? by Randy Holmes-Farley - Reefkeeping.com (http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-12/rhf/index.php)

[MizTanks]

Miz,

420 is fine - The perceived difference in Alk and Ca uptake is a very common misconception. Corals uptake Alk and Calcium at a consistent 1:1 ratio however there are variables that result in an apparent variance. For reference, every 1 mEq/L alkalinity (2.8 dKH) Alkalinity increase adds only 20ppm calcium. It takes a large ALk drop before you measure any noticable hange in Ca levels, so it "appears" that you are using more Alk then Ca.

A couple other variables can add to the confusion. Salt Mix - If your salt mix adds an imbalanced amount of either, it will appear as imbalanced usage in your testing. Mag - Low Mag or in some cases Strontium levels can impact Calcium/Alkalinity uptake.

pH changes with diurnal photosynthesis/respiration cycles and vary widely based on CO2 levels. It's not a good indicator of Alk or Ca unless you have known CO2 levels.

Here's a great reference for imbalances in Calcium and Alkalinity... When Do Calcium and Alkalinity Demand Not Exactly Balance? by Randy Holmes-Farley - Reefkeeping.com (http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-12/rhf/index.php)

Now I got a headache! Lol