How To: Dosing Two Part in Your Reef Tank

http://brs.li/2partdosing So why do they call it two part when there are really three parts? Why can't I mix everything and add it to my tank? These questions and more will be answered in this episode of BRStv. Maintaining calcium and alkalinity in your saltwater aquarium is essential to the health and growth of your corals. Corals use these elements to produce their skeletal structure and once they consume it, you will need to replenish it. Also, all the creatures in your reef tank require stable alkalinity and pH to thrive. Two part dosing is a great way to achieve this consistency. Mixing the solutions is easy. Bulk Reef Supply has a 2 Part Calcium & Alkalinity total package with includes the dry materials as well as the jugs to do the mixing and storage. Follow the instructions in the video and always make sure the solutions are completely dissolved before starting your dosing regimen. Note: Never mix the calcium and alkalinity to dose one solution. As soon as you mix them, the would instantly precipitate out and the solution would be useless. Most reefers keep the calcium of the tank around 420 ppm, alkalinity between 7-10 dKH and Magnesium at 1350 ppm. First determine the levels of your tank. Using the BRS Reef Calculator you can easily get directions on the proper dosage to increase your levels. Once your levels reach the desire amount, it is then essential to maintain those levels and that is where daily dosing comes in. You'll need to determine the amount your tank is consuming. First start by determining the volume of your tank and sump and whether your tank is high, medium or low demand. We recommend starting with a lower dose, testing and then raising the dose if necessary. It is always easier to add more than take away. Test and adjust, test and adjust, until you find the proper levels have stabled. Once you figure out the amount to add, always add it to a high flow area of the tank. Make this part of your daily schedule like feeding - do it all at once. So the final step in all of this is Magnesium. Magnesium is not consumed at the same rapid rate as calcium and alkalinity. Magnesium is important because it is the presence of magnesium that allows us to maintain high levels of calcium and alkalinity in the first place. So after you have dosed all calcium and alkalinity solutions (1 gallon of each), it is time to dose 20 ounces or 2 1/2 cups of the magnesium solution. Again, do this in a high flow area of the tank or in smaller amounts over time (but this isn't necessary). You won't need to dose magnesium again until after you dose another full gallon of calcium and full gallon of alkalinity. Making this process easier on yourself can be done by automating it with dosing pumps - one pump for each solution (calcium and alkalinity). Add an inexpensive outlet timer or control the function through an Apex or ReefKeeper. Bubble Magus, Vertex and Fauna Marin make dosers which can be programmed to your specific needs. Are you dosing two part in your reef tank? What is your set up for two part dosing? Thanks for watching BRStv.

How To: Dosing Two Part in Your Reef Tank sentiment_very_dissatisfied 46

Reef tank 10 years ago 212,833 views

http://brs.li/2partdosing So why do they call it two part when there are really three parts? Why can't I mix everything and add it to my tank? These questions and more will be answered in this episode of BRStv. Maintaining calcium and alkalinity in your saltwater aquarium is essential to the health and growth of your corals. Corals use these elements to produce their skeletal structure and once they consume it, you will need to replenish it. Also, all the creatures in your reef tank require stable alkalinity and pH to thrive. Two part dosing is a great way to achieve this consistency. Mixing the solutions is easy. Bulk Reef Supply has a 2 Part Calcium & Alkalinity total package with includes the dry materials as well as the jugs to do the mixing and storage. Follow the instructions in the video and always make sure the solutions are completely dissolved before starting your dosing regimen. Note: Never mix the calcium and alkalinity to dose one solution. As soon as you mix them, the would instantly precipitate out and the solution would be useless. Most reefers keep the calcium of the tank around 420 ppm, alkalinity between 7-10 dKH and Magnesium at 1350 ppm. First determine the levels of your tank. Using the BRS Reef Calculator you can easily get directions on the proper dosage to increase your levels. Once your levels reach the desire amount, it is then essential to maintain those levels and that is where daily dosing comes in. You'll need to determine the amount your tank is consuming. First start by determining the volume of your tank and sump and whether your tank is high, medium or low demand. We recommend starting with a lower dose, testing and then raising the dose if necessary. It is always easier to add more than take away. Test and adjust, test and adjust, until you find the proper levels have stabled. Once you figure out the amount to add, always add it to a high flow area of the tank. Make this part of your daily schedule like feeding - do it all at once. So the final step in all of this is Magnesium. Magnesium is not consumed at the same rapid rate as calcium and alkalinity. Magnesium is important because it is the presence of magnesium that allows us to maintain high levels of calcium and alkalinity in the first place. So after you have dosed all calcium and alkalinity solutions (1 gallon of each), it is time to dose 20 ounces or 2 1/2 cups of the magnesium solution. Again, do this in a high flow area of the tank or in smaller amounts over time (but this isn't necessary). You won't need to dose magnesium again until after you dose another full gallon of calcium and full gallon of alkalinity. Making this process easier on yourself can be done by automating it with dosing pumps - one pump for each solution (calcium and alkalinity). Add an inexpensive outlet timer or control the function through an Apex or ReefKeeper. Bubble Magus, Vertex and Fauna Marin make dosers which can be programmed to your specific needs. Are you dosing two part in your reef tank? What is your set up for two part dosing? Thanks for watching BRStv.

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Most popular comments
for How To: Dosing Two Part in Your Reef Tank

RV Mitra
RV Mitra - 7 years ago
What do you call those 2 thin white jugs? What is the brand?
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 7 years ago
No5
No5 - 7 years ago
This seems more accurate and targeted than kalkwasser, is that correct? Thanks great video btw
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 7 years ago
Absolutely! :-)
stevenh1974
stevenh1974 - 7 years ago
Hi guy's what volume is your cup your using can't find any info to help my calculations?
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 7 years ago
For all of the instructions on our 2-part containers and on the reef calculator, 1cup is referring to a standard household measuring cup (as used in baking). :-)
Marine Life
Marine Life - 7 years ago
My tanks levels never drop their always high
Marine Life
Marine Life - 7 years ago
Do you have to dose daily
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 7 years ago
If you have a daily consumption where the levels drop every day then you may want to supplement that drop with dosing. Otherwise, you don't need to dose daily if there is no daily demand on Alk/Ca. :-)
GoLeafs03
GoLeafs03 - 7 years ago
So i did all my mixes and been.slowly raising my alk and calc. Problem.im having is my tank is using about 1dkh a day. But sometimes when i ad 7ml alk raises my alk by 1 dkh. Sometimes it doest... it seems like its always.different amounts.... what am i doing wrong??
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 7 years ago
It may be the time of day that you are testing or the wait period after you have dosed, that is causing the difference. Also, testing procedures and test kit accuracy can play a huge role. We typically test Alk at the same time each day and if a corrective dose is added, we wait about 2-3hrs after dosing to test again. It can be pretty important to make sure you conduct the test exactly the same way each time for repeatable and accurate results. :-)
GoLeafs03
GoLeafs03 - 7 years ago
So for.alk its two.cups per gallon of soda ash and for calc its 2.5 cups for 1gallon?
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 7 years ago
Nailed it! :-)
Daniel Lockett
Daniel Lockett - 7 years ago
Could somebody please help me?

Am I correct in thinking that Calcium and KH are used up at the same rate?

My current parameters are 8 dKh and 410 calcium, I'm stocked with very few LPS corals and no SPS corals. I do have some coralline starting to grow which I want to maintain calcium and KH to spread the coralline. However my problem seems to be that I'm losing about 0.2 dKh per day, my calcium only drops maybe 10ppm every 2 weeks or so. Meaning i'm having to dose for KH every day but not dosing for calcium at all. Why does my KH drop but my calcium doesn't? Thanks
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 7 years ago
In most cases they usually are consumed in equal parts, however some tanks have imbalances like what you are experiencing and it's completely normal. :-). Here's a video we did on imbalances where Ryan explains this a bit deeper. https://youtu.be/hSg3KGTuRCo
AusReef Guy
AusReef Guy - 7 years ago
Answered alot of my questions on the proper 2 part dosing method .. i suppose it helped by doing research beforehand and knowing the questions i needed answered .. really informative thanks ryan .. water change today then i can work on getting my dosing dialed in properly over the next week or two.

Keep up the good work BRS .. p.s. we need brs australia ! Come on guys !

10. comment for How To: Dosing Two Part in Your Reef Tank

GoLeafs03
GoLeafs03 - 7 years ago
How come your online dosing calculator doesnf have bionic 2 part...
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 7 years ago
Most manufacturers of 2-part methods have their own proprietary concentrations and dosing instructions. Since the BRS forumula may not be the same across the board (B-ionic, Fauna Marin, Triton, Brightwell, etc.) we don't add them to our BRS 2-part calculator. :-)
cody stevens
cody stevens - 7 years ago
Is it 2 1/2 cups of mag on any tank after dosing the full amount in the jugs
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 7 years ago
If you have the pre-portioned BRS 2-part, the package that includes enough Mag powder to make 20oz of solution, then you would add all 20oz of solution to your tank after each gallon of Alk/Ca is empty. :-)
Donavon Green
Donavon Green - 7 years ago
what does it mean when my calcium stays high? I have a lot of sps corals in my tank. Right now my Alk. is 6.6 Cal. 577 and Mag. 1000
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 7 years ago
Hey there! It sounds like you are either dosing them unequally or that your Magnesium is too low and not buffering the Alk/Ca. Normally, people shoot for about 1300ppm Magnesium, which will help to buffer the Alk/Ca away from each other before they can precipitate out.

Here is a great resource video we did on bringing your 2-part dosing back to balanced. :-) https://youtu.be/hSg3KGTuRCo
Teenage Reefer
Teenage Reefer - 7 years ago
What test kit is being used in this video?
Teenage Reefer
Teenage Reefer - 7 years ago
Awesome. That's the one that I just ordered from you guys along with reef foundation. Thank you guys for the informative video and simplifying something so complicated.
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 7 years ago
I believe it's Red Sea Reef Foundation Pro Multi Test Kit: http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/red-sea-reef-foundation-pro-multi-test-kit-ca-alk-mg.html
#Rossy's Reeftank
#Rossy's Reeftank - 7 years ago
Yea
Benjamin Andrews
Benjamin Andrews - 7 years ago
kind of a stupid question but..
if you start mixing the magnesium solution and forget how many cups you put in there because you got distracted..is their anyway to test the actual solution to see if it's "correct"?

thank you!
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 7 years ago
Hey there! You would need a test kit with a much higher threshold than our hobby grade kits, in order to accurately test the concentration. But, not all is lost, you can use our calculator to find the dosage to raise Mag by 10ppm; Dose that recommended amount; wait an hour; test Mag again and see how close to a 10ppm raise it actually came. If it only rose by 5ppm, then you know you will need to double what the calculator recommends, if it rose higher than 10ppm than you can make smaller doses to reach your desired level. :-)
Muhammad Shahzaib Khan
Muhammad Shahzaib Khan - 7 years ago
do i need dosing my aquarium.
i mean i use calcium reactor in my tank so is it required doing dosing to my tank. As i am planning to build a 800+ gallon aquarium probably heavily populated with fishes and corals..
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 7 years ago
Hey there! As long as your calcium reactor is properly sized for that size of tank, you don't necessarily need to dose 2-part. There are some reefers that choose to continue dosing 2-part to help supplement the reactor as well as reduce CO2 and pH drop from the reactor. :-)
nodrules2
nodrules2 - 7 years ago
When he ssaid 420, who else thought he was totally high?
CanuckReefBoy
CanuckReefBoy - 7 years ago
started using bulk mix-yourself 2-part (Canadian, sorry BRS shipping is too much $! :( ), is it common for the Calcium to get a sediment on the bottom? You guys are great!
Brandon Meade
Brandon Meade - 7 years ago
ryan where is this calculator . is it on yr website
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 7 years ago
No problem!
Brandon Meade
Brandon Meade - 7 years ago
Thanks ryan
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 7 years ago

20. comment for How To: Dosing Two Part in Your Reef Tank

lexustheimpaler
lexustheimpaler - 7 years ago
Man his voice is annoying.
gflinski
gflinski - 7 years ago
Funny thing is, I watch these videos not only because of how informative they are, but because of how well spoken I think this guy is.
Israfil M. Haniff
Israfil M. Haniff - 7 years ago
Dude, his voice is reef godly.
DannytheDonkey
DannytheDonkey - 7 years ago
BulkReefSupplyCom. Your positive attitude and professionalism is why I will now buy my products from you guys. Good response to a tough comment.
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 7 years ago
Thanks for the feedback!
Mohamed Nor
Mohamed Nor - 7 years ago
still waiting for brs to ship internationally. hahaha.
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 7 years ago
It's not in our immediate plans, but possibly in the future!
Jeremey Persaud
Jeremey Persaud - 8 years ago
Do i need a dosing pump or reactor if Im running a Protein Skimmer and 2 Filters 50 gallon?
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
It depends, if you plan on keeping corals and want to automate calcium and alkalinity dosing I would say so.
Marine Life
Marine Life - 8 years ago
Do you have to dose the tank everyday
Franklin Michael
Franklin Michael - 8 years ago
What is alkalinity? Just alkali substances that make the pH higher? What is the difference between measuring alkalinity and measuring pH?
Franklin Michael
Franklin Michael - 8 years ago
+BulkReefSupplyCom Cool thanks.
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
Alkalinity is simply a measurement of how much acid is required to lower the pH to a specific level. Generally speaking if you maintain your alk properly it will not only allow for your corals to grow by offering carbonate for calcium carbonate skeletons, but it will also keep your pH in line.
Raul Mejia Jr
Raul Mejia Jr - 8 years ago
Can you recommend a dosing schedule? I have read that Alk should only be dosed during the day
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
Honestly it will depend on your tank. I tend to prefer to dose alkalinity at night. Most alkalinity supplements raise pH, and most folks pH runs naturally lower at night so it is a nice counter.
Steve larman
Steve larman - 8 years ago
do you and if you do, what trace elements do you guys suggest dosing with your two part on a sps dominate tank?
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
Honestly, simply weekly water changes. For a specific additive, we have had good luck with the Fauna Marin or Red Sea
brinks128
brinks128 - 8 years ago
my tank consumes different daily. sometimes its. .28, .50 or .78. why is that?
brinks128
brinks128 - 8 years ago
BulkReefSupplyCom I use the red sea for alk and cal..
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
It could be a variance in how your test kit is reading it (hobby grade test kits aren't the most accurate things on the planet, and that's ok), or it could be that your corals are consuming at an increased rate. I would say testing variance is more likely the culprit.
Miguel Ayuyu
Miguel Ayuyu - 8 years ago
for your cal dosing you dosed 214 ml all at one time?
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
Generally speaking we don't recommend raising calcium by more than 50 ppm in 24 hours. In this case, 214ml was only 30ppm so we added it all in a single dose.
Dan_of_Earth
Dan_of_Earth - 8 years ago
Hey there, i just want to say i love your videos. I've been in the hobby for about 2 years and i have learned a ton from watching so thanks for that. Since starting the hobby I've had a few different corals, all of which died over time. The only coral ive been able to maintain since the beginning is a bubble coral. Originally it had brown jelly which killed about 3/4 of it. However i was able to stop the spread and the bubble has since recovered to around the size of a baseball when fully inflated. But, its the only coral that thrives. Even a star polyp colony i have now is starting to die, and i know those are supposed to spread like wild fire under the right conditions. I've taken water samples to my local retailer for tests and they tell me my parameters are good. So i'm now convinced that my issue is due to not properly dosing, in fact i barley dose at all. I usually throw a cap full in when i remember every few weeks, This need to change ASAP as i want to start focusing on stocking my tank with more coral now that I've reached my limit for fish. I have a 65 gallon btw. So after watching many of you videos on dosing i'm trying to decide between the BRS 2 part system and the red sea coral package. Im sure both will give a drastic improvement with daily schedule. Where my confusion comes in is with the trace element aspect. I currently use instant ocean reef crystals with a 10% water change, usually every other week. What is your opinion on that salt? Does it contain the proper amount of trace element to where i don't need to dose them? There is so much to learn in this hobby and so many different opinions and methods, its very overwhelming. I like the BRS 2 part because it seems super easy to understand and put in to action, but the red sea comes all in one with the trace element dosing. Your guidance would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
Really there are two things you can do to reduce alk. You can let it fall naturally over time, or you can do a water change with a salt that has a lower alkalinity level. If I had to guess, you are using a salt mix for your water changes that has a higher alkalinity level, like Red Sea's Coral Pro for example
Dan_of_Earth
Dan_of_Earth - 8 years ago
so i got the system and followed the instructions in the video. In testing alk i found that my alk level is 11dkh. Two questions, what can i do to reduce it to the recommended 9, and second, how could alk be so high considering i haven't dosed up until this point?
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
In most cases a good water change schedule will be enough to maintain your trace element levels. The Red Sea program is really cool because it ties trace element consumption to calcium consumption so you have something concrete to reference.

With the BRS stuff, you can use supplements like Fauna Marin or Red Sea for example to add trace elements to it, however I haven't found it to be 100% necessary.

30. comment for How To: Dosing Two Part in Your Reef Tank

dudeneedmoney
dudeneedmoney - 8 years ago
Do you still suggest a 9dkh when running a biopellet reactor?
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
When carbon dosing you will want to run a lower dKh. Around 7-8 is ideal while carbon dosing.
Jase Poag
Jase Poag - 8 years ago
Just a note for everyone. Their alk calculator defaults to meq/l. Your test kit probably reads is dKh. Last night on my second day of dosing, this discrepancy caused me to dose 3x more than I was supposed to. Don't think I lost anything due to it, but alk did jump from 8.4 to 10.2.
RGV Reefers
RGV Reefers - 8 years ago
I'm currently dosing kalkwasser at night. I get the levels where I want them with 2 part but after a few days my pH, alkalinity and calcium all drop. Is there a max dose for kalkwasser? Should I also dose 2 part together with kalwasser?
RGV Reefers
RGV Reefers - 8 years ago
Thanks for responding, I was only dosing 1tsp per gallon so I will increase it. Yes I do have several large corals in my tank.
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
The max Kalk that can be dissolved into a gallon of water is 2 teaspoons, so if you are past that max in your ATO reservoir and unable to keep up your tanks consumption may be outpacing the kalk. Do you have a lot of corals in the tank?
Raees Usman
Raees Usman - 8 years ago
Would you need to dose 2 part if you only have 2-4 soft corals in the tank?
Brett Schneider
Brett Schneider - 7 years ago
Raees Usman kalkwasser in the ato would be good enough
John Beardmore
John Beardmore - 7 years ago
Raees Usman q
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
It really will depend on your consumption and the tank size, but it's probably unlikely.
steve lane
steve lane - 8 years ago
We can`t get BRS products in the UK......i`ve been looking for an alternative.
AusReef Guy
AusReef Guy - 7 years ago
steve lane magnesium chloride, soda ash and calcium chloride i think it is, add to rodi water .. follow brs mixing instructions and voila you have brs 2 part.
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
Hopefully in the future!
veedub916
veedub916 - 8 years ago
so after I dose all the calcium and alkalinity you said two cups of magnesium, is this for any size tank? I have a 38 gallon one and I'm close to finishing my first two part mixes
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
Happy to help :)
veedub916
veedub916 - 8 years ago
+BulkReefSupplyCom Thank you for taking the time to reply you guys are awesome. you got a customer and sub for life
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
Yup, regardless of tank size that is the dose, simply because it ideally is a set ratio that they are consumed at. Personally however, I do find my self testing my magnesium at times and making adjustments as well.
Ethan Trenaman
Ethan Trenaman - 8 years ago
Is it best to have your tank fully stocked with corals so that you don't have to readjust the dosing every time you want to add corals?
Ethan Trenaman
Ethan Trenaman - 8 years ago
+BulkReefSupplyCom Ok, thank you!
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
Ideally that would be awesome, but even as the corals grow their consumption rate can change. I would say adjusting your dose occasionally is a necessary evil in this hobby.
Brad Schofield
Brad Schofield - 8 years ago
yes softies zoos palys mushroom hammer torch
Muhammad Salman Iqbalu
Muhammad Salman Iqbalu - 8 years ago
vu u
Brad Schofield
Brad Schofield - 8 years ago
Or early morning?
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
Ok very cool. The act of their zooxanthellae photosynthesizing will additionally consume CO2 and raise your pH. That's why it's not uncommon to have a lower pH at night.
Brad Schofield
Brad Schofield - 8 years ago
the pre mixed  2 part bottles  are the same as this only you don't have to mix?If not to high on the corals  you can dose every second day?on another note  how can ca be 430  dkh be 9   but ph is low at 7.8?.do I hv to raise the dkh?  but you have to dose both?
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
It's certainly possible. When carbon dioxide from the atmosphere (think the air you exhale in your house) dissolves into the water in your aquarium it forms carbonic acid. This drops the pH and can have a pretty significant effect depending on the circumstances. This usually is more noticeable in newer homes since the insulation/energy rating is much better - CO2 get's trapped easier in the house and you end up with higher levels of CO2 resulting in lower pH. I'd hazard to bet if you popped open a window tonight you might see the pH go up.

Do you have any corals in the tank?
Brad Schofield
Brad Schofield - 8 years ago
+BulkReefSupplyCom so ph will remain low even if ca and Dkh are good?
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
Ok, I gotcha. In that case it is probably just fine :) I don't think you need a skimmer - a lot of folks with those tanks are running them successfully without them. Do you have a glass top on the tank? Removing that will allow for increased gas exchange and a higher pH. Same goes for powerheads - aiming one near the surface will increase surface movement and gas exchange.
Brad Schofield
Brad Schofield - 8 years ago
I dont have a skimmer yet... not sure if I need? IM 30 gal Im running poly filter with bio shpere under that fr a bio load and 200 micron sock on the other side.

Should i be running a skimmer? was thinking of hang on back cpr aeroforce?
If I dont run a skimmer how do I get co2 out?

Thanks
Brad Schofield
Brad Schofield - 8 years ago
Api test kit
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
Yup, they will perform the same task, however our dry chemicals are produced from a pharmaceutical grade ingredient, allow you to mix up multiple gallons of solution from one gallon of powder, and saves you water weight on shipping and product.

When it comes to pH issues it is probably a factor of how much CO2 you have in your water. Simply opening a window in your house or venting your skimmers air intake outside is usually enough to raise pH. What are you using to test for it?
Clyde Macasero
Clyde Macasero - 8 years ago
Well, time to invest in a chemistry stir plate! Large & small (doser & testing)
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
Are you saying to keep your two part solution stirred? Honestly you shouldn't need to since it is aqueous homogeneous solution that won't settle out.
Manny Torres
Manny Torres - 8 years ago
What can i do if my alkalinity is 11 and my calcium is 390??? I'm new to reefing and have two little fishies two part, help please! Can I just dose calcium?
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
Yup! I would just dose the calcium portion while monitoring your alkalinity levels. I would also check your magnesium level.
Quintessential Studios
Quintessential Studios - 8 years ago
If you're using a doser, what's the best way to hook up the lines going into your tank, how and where? i.e. would you suggest soft lines going from the doser to a bit of rigid tubing held in place with a probe holder (or is there some other specially made holder?) over the powerhead?
Muhammad Salman Iqbalu
Muhammad Salman Iqbalu - 8 years ago
+BulkReefSupplyCom aqqwwwffjk
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
That could certainly be a great option! There are also some tubing holders out there that could make it easier, check them out here:

http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/calcium-alkalinity-trace-elements/dosing.html
Daniel Donnelly
Daniel Donnelly - 8 years ago
Do you think I could get away with dosing every other day?
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
It depends on your corals demand, but it is a possibility. I would recommend looking into a dosing pump as well.
akin samuel
akin samuel - 8 years ago
Great video guys.. and you are doing a super job!! is there a way to also take care of the trace elements other than water changes?
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
Thanks! There are some additives out there, but they can be somewhat difficult to use properly. Check out this video:

https://youtu.be/eGJaPocRErc?list=PLBaMLrfToJyybUT18OE3fMomFb9XU0ffC
Lisa DeMayo
Lisa DeMayo - 8 years ago
Ryan- first i'd like to say thanks. I've learned much from you. I do have one problem though. I just got your 2=part dosing pumps. You say here you recommend allowing it to drip near the overflow? Do you still feel this way? I will have to run my tubing up over the top from the jugs below....
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
+Lisa DeMayo Nope, I meant where you tried it down in your sump. You really just want a really high flow area. I have seen some folks add a powerhead into their sump to prevent precipitation. Generally though a small amount of precipitation is normal.
Lisa DeMayo
Lisa DeMayo - 8 years ago
if you mean where the drain goes into the sock, i tried that. got a lot of Kh solid pieces down there beneath the sock. Unless you mean where the overflow GRATE is up at the top of my overflow into the overflow box itself?
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
+Lisa DeMayo Essentially you want it dosing in a high flow area of the tank. One of my favorite spots is where the overflow drain enters into your sump. :)
REEF DOCG
REEF DOCG - 8 years ago
If I am correct then if you do kalkwasser all is needed is Magnesium Right?
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
+Domenic Abitino Actually, there are SOME options for trace elements that do just that!

http://aquarium.bulkreefsupply.com/search?w=automatic%20elements&asug=
REEF DOCG
REEF DOCG - 8 years ago
+BulkReefSupplyCom Man I wish they made time release capsules of these additives so that we can just throw in our tanks once a month.
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
+Domenic Abitino Yup! And maybe the occasional adjustment with a calcium or alkalinity supplement
REEF DOCG
REEF DOCG - 8 years ago
Hi Ryan, If you dose these in your tank is it still needed to dose Kalkwasser? Doesnt kalkwasser contain calcium also? Hope i dont sound to ignorant.
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
+Domenic Abitino No worries Domenic! You could run both, but generally you;ll switch to two part after your corals begin to outpace your kalkwasser. Kalk does add calcium and alkalinity in one solution.
Alex Kingcole
Alex Kingcole - 8 years ago
Hey, What happened to Reed? is he still associated with BRS? No?
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
+Alex Kingcole Reid's no longer with BRS, but he still pops in every once in a while to say hi. :)
matt Cwynar
matt Cwynar - 8 years ago
I'm confused about something. Seeing how much you start out with per day and in the instructions it says .1ml per gallon witch is a very small amount. Is it really supposed to be 1ml per gallon. So is the decimal not supposed to be there?
matt Cwynar
matt Cwynar - 8 years ago
+BulkReefSupplyCom perfect thank you very much. I watch the video again and it clicked. Just was overthinking it.
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
+matt Cwynar Nope, that's actually correct! With LPS and some softies we recommend starting at .1 ml per gallon of system volume. LPS and some SPS we recommend .2ml as a starting point, and SPS dominant we recommend .3 ml per gallon. Keep in mind these are all starting points, so you'll need to adjust as you observe how your tank is reacting to your dose/testing parameters.
Happy Singh
Happy Singh - 8 years ago
what website did you use for the calculating the amount of solution
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
+Happy Singh You can find that Reef Calculator direct on our website here for our two part:

http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/reef-calculator

50. comment for How To: Dosing Two Part in Your Reef Tank

Gede Patasa
Gede Patasa - 8 years ago
Hi ryan, i had little difficult to calculate the amount of water. My tank is 40g, life rock+ sand around 30lbs?
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
+Gede Patasa You'll want to dose them a few minutes apart to avoid any precipitation issues. All your equipment can be left running :)
Gede Patasa
Gede Patasa - 8 years ago
+Gede Patasa one more thing do i need to turn off the protein skimmer, gfo, carbon reactor?
Gede Patasa
Gede Patasa - 8 years ago
+BulkReefSupplyCom can i dose calcium, alkalinity and mag in the same time (one another)?
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
+Gede Patasa Do you also have a sump? The formula I like to use is [(tank volume + actual sump volume)-20% to account for rock and sand]
Fin Mac
Fin Mac - 8 years ago
Hey Ryan. I am about to set up my first saltwater tank within the next couple of weeks.....all this dosing stuff looks like its going to be expensive!!Is it possible to avoid having to dose by doing more regular water changes?...if so, would this keep parameters to acceptable levels by just the added salt water mix. My tank is 195 litre and I will be using the Hydor Smart Level to top off with RO/DI..... with this in mind how soon after a water change would my Mg Alk and Ca be thrown out to unnacceptable levels. How often and what percentage water change would you recommend to avoid having to dose and could a tank thrive using this method.....and what types of coral would suit this best? Great channel by the way have been watching for over a year and its where I have gained most of my knowledge to attempt a salt setup!!
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
+Fin Mac thanks! Honestly it will depend entirely on your corals. A system like this would be best suited for soft corals since they don't drastically uptake calcium and alkalinity. The larger/faster your corals are growing, the faster/more often you will need to do water changes. At a certain point on a larger tank it can become more work than it's worth. That said, you don't need all the fancy dosing pumps and equipment (granted that does make things easier) to keep a healthy reef. My first reef did really well simply by dosing by hand daily.
Charlie Leeper
Charlie Leeper - 8 years ago
Hi, I'm thinking about getting my first saltwater tank, a 40 gallon tank with fish and sps corals. Is dosing something I will have to at any point or regularly?
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
+Charlie Leeper With SPS corals you likely will need to maintain calcium and alkalinity by some method which could be dosing once you start adding corals to the tank. Personally I would recommend using kalkwasser first, and then switching to two part when it can't keep up with your SPS. :)
Phil Wilson
Phil Wilson - 8 years ago
Great info.. Thanks..
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
+Phil Wilson Happy to help Phil :)
Shawn D
Shawn D - 8 years ago
So let's say I get the dosing parameters where they need to be.
Once I do my water change I am taking out a bunch of water that has these doses already mixed in......So once you do the water change, you now have to add the doses back in to bring it up, right? just like salinity level.........

I have never done this before but I am getting ready to start dosing my tnak
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
+crankbait 2009 No problem! Ideally the salt mix that you are using should have an ideal amount of calcium. alkalinity, magnesium, etc. The main need for dosing is that your corals consume those elements and need to be replaced. If you could do larger water changes weekly, you may not even need to dose at all. :)
Andres Sandi
Andres Sandi - 9 years ago
Hi, how many time I have to wait between dose kh and dose calcium?
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 9 years ago
+Andres Sandi In an ideal world that would be the route I would go, but sometimes it's not in the cards if you are dosing manually.
Andres Sandi
Andres Sandi - 9 years ago
+BulkReefSupplyCom I have 150 gallon reef tank with a few sps and lps and i dose 80 ml every day of ca and kh like the brs calculator shows but the parameters doesn't raise like i want. Does is better to dose the kh at night and the ca in the morning? I think about the precipitation
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 9 years ago
+Andres Sandi It depends on how much your dosing, but a few minutes should be ok.
William Bolanos
William Bolanos - 9 years ago
Always trust your product and appreciate your videos. Setting up a new tank. in my old tank i would run two part but would leave a small koralia nano pump to avoid settling of the two part while dosing (automatic pumps) Would you consider settling of the two part a concern if left standing for a couple weeks?
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 9 years ago
+William Bolanos No problem!
William Bolanos
William Bolanos - 9 years ago
+BulkReefSupplyCom Perfect. Thank you!
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 9 years ago
+William Bolanos Thanks William! I wouldn't be too concerned as long as it is thoroughly and properly mixed. The solution is homogenous so once it is dissolved it won't settle out. :)
John Newman
John Newman - 9 years ago
What's the shelf life on the mixes after they are mixed?
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 9 years ago
+John Newman Pretty much indefinitely if you used RODI water and are keeping them sealed in a cool location.
keith cummings
keith cummings - 9 years ago
Any req. for storing mixed solutions. Temp. ?... Video's are always great and helpful ty.'
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 9 years ago
+keith cummings Nope, not really to be honest! They are completely dissolved homogeneous solutions so they won't separate under normal circumstances. I would recommend storing them sealed in a cool and dark location if possible.
John Kramer
John Kramer - 9 years ago
well done  thanks
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 9 years ago
+John Kramer Thanks for watching John!
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 9 years ago
+ibi nyth (ibinyth) - That's a custom 70 gallon from Reef Savvy :)
ibi nyth
ibi nyth - 9 years ago
what size tank is that in the video?
flap donaldson
flap donaldson - 9 years ago
Were did you get the naked clowns I want some soooo bad
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 9 years ago
+flap donaldson They are from ORA. Your local fish store should be able to order them for you. :)
Austin Childers
Austin Childers - 9 years ago
This is probably obvious but on the alkalinity portion you said measure out 2 cups of sodium carbonate...then add the alkalinity portions are those the same?
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 9 years ago
+Austin Childers Yup, they are the same. :)
russell walker
russell walker - 9 years ago
if my mag is low (below 900) 
do i dose 100 per day to get it to 1300
and how much will a gallon solution raise the mag level in about 75 gallons including sump
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 9 years ago
+russell walker 1 gallon of magnesium mix solution will raise you about 626ppm in 75 gallons of water. You're correct though, you'll want to slowly raise your levels by less than 100ppm per day to reach your goal.
nmscience09
nmscience09 - 9 years ago
I've started your two part dosing program but have heard that this will slowly increase salinity levels in my aquarium.  What is the suggested remedy for this and how quickly does it occur?
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 9 years ago
+nmscience09 Technically what you are adding to your tank in those two part jugs are types of salt, so you will be raising your salinity. BUT, it will have a very minimal effect, and a normal tank with normal water changes won't ever even know the difference. If for some reason you never have done a water change then you might notice the salinity raise a few points over the course of a couple months. :P
jorge juarez
jorge juarez - 9 years ago
Plis sub español
Dingo2031
Dingo2031 - 9 years ago
What do you use to test?
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 9 years ago
+dingo2031 Fantastic! The Alk checker is one of my favorite alkalinity test kits. The calcium checker is awesome too, but it requires a little more attention when being used to get the best result.
Dingo2031
Dingo2031 - 9 years ago
How are the Alk and Cal Hanna?
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 9 years ago
+dingo2031 We really like to use the Red Sea Test Kits and the Hanna Checkers where applicable, and have had good luck with the Salifert kits as well.
jacraig881
jacraig881 - 9 years ago
Hi Ryan, I have become a big fan of BRS videos. They have helped me make decisions and maintain my reef tank. I have a nano system, 29 gallon biocube. Has a refugium and is looking amazing, tons if corals all doing well. While I can keep all of my perimeters in check I seem to be losing alkalinity rather quickly. I have u a steady ph of 8.3 no ammonia and 0.25 nitrates. I have tried multiple products like kent marine alk buffer. But it seems that I need to add more than the recommended amount in order to keep my alk up to a 9.0. I've noticed I have to raise my alk slowly in order for my corals to respond well. My question is, is there anything else you can recommend trying in order to help maintain my alk levels? Side not, over feeding isn't an issue I feed fish every day just enough and use Red Sea reef energy for my corals. Thanks
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 9 years ago
+jacraig881 Cool! Thanks for the kind words. To me it sounds like your best bet would be some form of two part calcium and alkalinity supplementation. Do you know what your calcium and magnesium levels are currently at?
Freddy Delgado
Freddy Delgado - 9 years ago
So soda ash and sodium bicarbonate is the same thing ?? They one I bought from u guys says sodium bicarbonate .!
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 9 years ago
+Freddy Delgado They both will raise your alkalinity. However soda ash will also raise your pH, where sodium bicarbonate will have a neutral or slight lowering effect on pH.
Freddy Delgado
Freddy Delgado - 9 years ago
U mix two magnesiums ? U said 3 cup and 5
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 9 years ago
+Freddy Delgado Yup! To make a gallon of magnesium solution which you can then dose to your tank you'll need to add 5 level cups of Magnesium Chloride and 3 level cupfuls of Magnesium Sulfate to a one gallon jug.
Freddy Delgado
Freddy Delgado - 9 years ago
In the other video u said its 1 cup and 2 tea spoon for Alkalinity .. I'm confused ..
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 9 years ago
+Freddy Delgado Yup! That is normal. Sodium Carbonate will temporarily cloud the water, where Sodium Bicarbonate won't. :)
Freddy Delgado
Freddy Delgado - 9 years ago
Thank u .. One last question I just used the sodium bicarbonate but I noticed it didn't make do that white effect in the water . It was just clear .. Is this normal.?
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 9 years ago
+Freddy Delgado The Soda Ash is going to be the most popular alkalinity supplement we sell, and will raise your pH when dosed. This is the chemical we include with our two part kit, and requires 2 cups for the mix. The chemical you are thinking of is most likely the less-common Sodium Bicarbonate. You use 1 cup and 2 table spoons for this mix. :)
SPL
SPL - 9 years ago
Why don't you dose Magnesium first?
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 9 years ago
+SPL No particular reason. It's just the order we chose to do it. Ideally if you had really low magnesium levels then adjusting them first could be beneficial.
beautysuppliers
beautysuppliers - 9 years ago
How much does this cost? Dou you ship to the uk? Also do you sell the Neptune apex DOS dosing pump (can't find this in the uk)!
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 9 years ago
+beautysuppliers We sell a few different kits, but the most popular "Total Package" is $79.99. We do have the Neptune DOS, but unfortunately we can only ship to the US and Canada. With that being said, it looks like there are a few Neptune dealers in the UK:

https://www.neptunesystems.com/buy/find-a-local-dealer/#map_top
Paul Lenz
Paul Lenz - 9 years ago
How soon after addition of each part can you measure the results with a test kit?
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 9 years ago
+Paul Lenz There's not really an exact science to it, but I would recommend waiting at least 30 minutes.
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 9 years ago
+Brian Spranger I believe it's Red Sea Reef Foundation Pro Multi Test Kit: http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/red-sea-reef-foundation-pro-multi-test-kit-ca-alk-mg.html
yt8181
yt8181 - 9 years ago
I'm curious to why BRS doesn't mention the other two part mix with just plain sodium bicarbonate . I have had issues when dosing soda ash to keep levels up, no matter how small of a dose. My system was consuming a gallon of two part every five days via profilux and all levels were perfect as always but I was starting to have some SPS RTN STN on me and for weeks couldn't figure out why, so I switched to just plain bicarbonate and the tank went back to normal within a week no more RTN. Was just wondering why the other recipe is never mentioned anymore nor is it on BRS site? Is there something I'm missing? Thanks
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 9 years ago
+yt8181 We used to sell a two part system that utilized sodium bicarbonate, but since it lowers pH (which most people don't want) we simplified to only sell a two part system with soda ash. You may have had issues due to the way it was dosed, area or speed. Check out this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jBAFf0CjiYc
Brian Spranger
Brian Spranger - 9 years ago
Which test kit were you using in this video? It had the syringe used for titration into the vial for color checking...
Dingo2031
Dingo2031 - 9 years ago
You pour it into your overflow or sump intake!
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 9 years ago
+dingo2031 We usually recommend dosing the solution into a high flow area of your system.  Whether that be your overflow, your sump, or a refugium.  :)
Buddy Sheroka
Buddy Sheroka - 9 years ago
Another great video great job bulk reef supply happy reefing
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 9 years ago
+Buddy Sheroka Thanks!
Dan Vo
Dan Vo - 9 years ago
how do you keep the water so clean,i have a  biocube 14 only  live rock and sand in it right now
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 9 years ago
+Dan Vo On this tank we utilize a mixture of filter socks, carbon, and a protein skimmer to keep the water clean. 
Ken Rosecrans
Ken Rosecrans - 9 years ago
great vid guys...
i have a 65 gallon rimless...im using fusion 1 and 2....and aqua vitro balance...25ml of 1   and 25ml of 2 ,to my tank everyday.   should i change to the soda ash...and so on of the products used in the video...i have several sps...and lps   in my reef. 
ben the aquaman
ben the aquaman - 9 years ago
do you want to share some info about how to get red algae away?
it is a horrible pest in my tank.
all my 140 kg of live rock is infected :(
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 9 years ago
+ben the aquaman Cool!  Sounds like a neat setup.  I would probably recommend increasing your water change schedule and removing as much of it as possible by hand during those changes. It probably wouldn't hurt to bolster your clean up crew with some more snails or other macro algae eating critters as well.   
ben the aquaman
ben the aquaman - 9 years ago
+BulkReefSupplyCom
hi and thanks again :)
my tank is a 165x65x70 with sump.in my sump i got a tunze 9410 skimmer, a small ats with 30 watt led, a 4750 l/h return pump.in the displaytank i got 2 jebao rw 20 running on 5th speed.my lights are a mix of t5(160 watt) and 200 watt led(mix blue and white 3)i got about 140kg liferock.no sps but do have leathers and lps.my fishpopulation is:1 chromis verdis,1pseudocheilinus hexataenia,1 Acreichthys tomentosus,1 yellow tang,1 veliferum tang,4 anthias kashiwae,1Nemateleotris Decora.,1 salarias.i also got 2 cleaner shrimps,1Turbo Fluctuosa Mexico,some other snails,2Astropecten Polyacanthus and a Mespilla Globulus Green. greets Ben
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 9 years ago
+ben the aquaman No problem :)  What size is your aquarium?  Do you have any tangs in it?  Some of the red algaes from the rhodophyta genus are used in herbivorous fish foods.  With any luck herbivorous fish like tangs would eat it.  
ben the aquaman
ben the aquaman - 9 years ago
cyano bacteria i am known with and never found a big problem getting rid of it ;) i add some extra bacteria en suck away the cyano and change the water with fresh made salt water.also i change the streampumps a bit to get rid of the cyano.but unfortunitly it is no cyano(we call it flap in Holland)
ben the aquaman
ben the aquaman - 9 years ago
no it does not come off easy.its no cyano bacterie.it is red hair algae.does not feed on po4 and needs realy little light.it likes low oxygen and protien(sorry for my bad english ;) ) i noticed it does not like alcaline on 11.it is family of rhodophyta.thanks a lot and best wishes for 2015
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 9 years ago
+ben the aquaman Do you which kind of algae it is?  Does it blow off the rocks easy, has bubbles, and is slimy?  If so it's probably red slime algae which is actually a type of bacteria known as cyanobacteria.  Red slime algae can be a little tricky to manage.  You will want to monitor your phosphate and nitrate levels since the cyanobacteria uses them as a food source.  You can manage these levels at a low concentration with water changes, and reduced feeding.  If that does not work, then there are some chemical methods like Chemi-Clean that work pretty well.  
nickclub
nickclub - 9 years ago
What tank is this?  Love the setup! Would like to know what size and brand, thanks!  
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 9 years ago
+nickclub No problem!
nickclub
nickclub - 9 years ago
Awesome! Thanks!!
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 9 years ago
+nickclub This system is a Reef Savvy rimless 40" x 20" x 20" 70 gallon.  You can see the build here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SfQ-8DcwqFI

and a little more about Reef Savvy here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DyPGJ4ndxV0
Edward Tan
Edward Tan - 10 years ago
Trying to come up with a regimen that will help out with maintaining calcium and alkalinity. If I use the BRS 2 part system, do I still need to dose Kalkwasser (in order to maintain pH)? Or will the BRS 2 part system maintain my pH as well? Thanks!
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 10 years ago
+Edward Tan Luckily, the alkalinity component of the BRS Two Part system will help to keep your pH stable and where it should be.  Generally I find when keeping your alkalinity within the proper range of 7-11 dKh, the pH follows suit.  
DetectHistory
DetectHistory - 10 years ago
Another great video. Clear instruction and theory. Thanks!
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 10 years ago
+DetectHistory Thanks, we do our best!
Sonoma Beats
Sonoma Beats - 10 years ago
what are those fish in your office tank? they are pretty cool 
CartoonsZ Channel
CartoonsZ Channel - 10 years ago
can u tell tank dimensions?
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 10 years ago
+ika manashvili this one is 20x20x40 
CartoonsZ Channel
CartoonsZ Channel - 10 years ago
guys i need your help im starting to build reef tank and i dont know which silicone is good for saltwater, some says that regular aquarium silicone is not good cuz saltwater eats silicone, thanks 
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 10 years ago
CartoonsZ Channel
CartoonsZ Channel - 10 years ago
+BulkReefSupplyCom  which one you recommend can you link? and what silicone you guys use for your tanks ? 
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 10 years ago
+ika manashvili I would get the silicone marketed at to the aquarium industry, A lot of the typical brands have chemicals and mold preventatives in them, even the ones that don't say that on the label. 
James Morrison
James Morrison - 10 years ago
So well explained!
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 10 years ago
+James Morrison Thanks. let me know if you have any other questions. 
Umair Javaid
Umair Javaid - 10 years ago
i dose strontium , iodine and magnesium. Just started a few days ago so i don't know how well it will go. Need your advice.
And how do i deal with ich? i really need your help on this.
Umair Javaid
Umair Javaid - 10 years ago
In my country there is no LFS. i have imported the aquarium products from different countries including the fish tank.
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 10 years ago
+Umair Javaid I have to say I am lucky enough to have never had to deal with ich. I know crazy right ? Best bet is to call and ask a CS agent on the phone. 
DREAMBIG
DREAMBIG - 10 years ago
That is some seriously purple rock. Very nice. Is it true that coraline algea can "smother" out the beneficial nitrifying bacteria on liverock though?
Jay Maldonado
Jay Maldonado - 10 years ago
HELLLLLLLP!!!!! I am on the brink of getting rid of my 90Gal system just due to frustration. I truly believe in the BRS 2 part dosing system but I can not for the life of me figure out why I can't/how to maintain proper parameters. Is there anyone I can talk to who can HELP me with this problem? I truly feel defeated and Ive spent over     
$5,000.00 on this system. PLEASE HELP!
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 10 years ago
+jonathan maldonado I would call and ask to talk to Charlie or Ryan F. I think they will be able to help you get on the right track : )  763-432-9691
Cycnoches2012
Cycnoches2012 - 10 years ago
Sorry to go off topic, but I really like that shimmer the lights give your tank/water.  I'll look to see if you have a vid on them.
thanks for the 2 part vid!
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 10 years ago
Reefer Madniss
Reefer Madniss - 10 years ago
So once I have my calcium alkalinity and magnesium at proper levels...if I start dosing kalkwasser in my auto top off, do I keep dosing the two part solution every day or does the kalkwasser simply maintain it?
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 10 years ago
+Reefer Madniss It depends on the consumption levels but largely speaking, if you have them at proper levels, start dosing kalk, it should replace the need to dose the two part.  The exception being magnesium because that isn't added via kalk.  Magnesium depletes very slowly though, so the occasional level check and dose should be all that is necessary there.
DREAMBIG
DREAMBIG - 10 years ago
Great video. I bought the BRS kalkwasser starter package. One thing that was confusing to me was that I wasn't sure if I was supposed to go by the dry crystals for the 2 part on the calculator or the mixing directions on the bottle. I then realized that I could mix the CaCl and Alk according to the bottles' directions and then select that as an option in the drop down menu 
kendrid
kendrid - 10 years ago
Nice B&W speakers there Ryan.  The two hobbies mix well together....
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 10 years ago
+kenrdid haha, I totally agree! Good eye!
Joey Mysery
Joey Mysery - 10 years ago
Would this system be the same when doing 20% water changes weekly? Or would you dose magnesium more frequently. I'm using Red Sea Coral Pro salt if that matters. Thanks!
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 10 years ago
+Joey Mysery The dosing shouldn't change, but you'll need to test the water you're using for changes to make sure its parameters match your tanks before the water change (and if they're low, bring them up with the two part).  This is really a best practice whether your normally dose two part or not just to keep the tank parameters as even as possible :)
robert hall
robert hall - 10 years ago
I a 14 oceanic bio cube never had good luck w corals what am I doing wrong I have protien skimmer change water every week they last a month then slowly die tank has a lot of brown algi now too help
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 10 years ago
+robert hall That depends on a lot of factors but one of the most common is the lighting and the type of corals your trying to keep.  What type of corals do you have in there?
Ellery Wong
Ellery Wong - 10 years ago
I use kalkwasser in my ato would daily dosing still be required? If so would any steps changes?
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 10 years ago
+Ellery Wong Kalkwasser would be your daily dosing so unless demand is larger than the kalk can keep up with, it would take the place of something like two part (though you likely will need to occasionally adjust the levels with two part). 

100. comment for How To: Dosing Two Part in Your Reef Tank

Avelino Fernandez Jr.
Avelino Fernandez Jr. - 10 years ago
One more question. I set up my BRS dosing pump for alk and just ordered another for calcium. Can I set then up to dose in the third chamber of my biocube 29. It's not high flow per say but will get sucked up by the return pump and go straight into the tank.
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 10 years ago
+Avelino Fernandez Jr. We would suggest not dosing them at the same time, but dosed individually that shouldn't be an issue.  Just make sure to keep an eye on your pump maintenance as you might find the pump developing buildup a bit faster than usual. 
OaktownsGreatest
OaktownsGreatest - 10 years ago
What wrasse is that? the yellow/orange one?
OaktownsGreatest
OaktownsGreatest - 10 years ago
My bad. I meant the Anthia.
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 10 years ago
+OaktownsGreatest anthias possibly?
RRasco
RRasco - 10 years ago
Great video.  I was recommending 2-part to someone and trying to explain how it works, thanks for doing all the work going through the details!  I like these video formats much better than the old ones too.
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 10 years ago
+RRasco Awesome, glad to hear that! Thanks for the feedback, too - always helpful :)
Matthew S.
Matthew S. - 10 years ago
Great video!  I have a 46 gallon reef tank.  I don't dose anything, but I do a water change every week.  I don't have any SPS, mostly zoa and LPS.  Should I be dosing anything?  Thanks!
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 10 years ago
+Rob Sigler LPS corals still have a stony skeleton so at the least you want to monitor your calcium and in particular your alkalinity.  It's possible the consumption is slow enough that water changes keep up, but you'll want to test so you actually know.
Avelino Fernandez Jr.
Avelino Fernandez Jr. - 10 years ago
I watched the other video. I use your two part. I tested then I dosed. My mag and calcium went up like it should but my alk only went up .4 when it should have gone up 1.4. Very odd. I just ordered a Hanna checker for ALK from you guys maybe that will give me better readings.
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 10 years ago
+Avelino Fernandez Jr. yeah, the colors on test kits can be hard to read. You'll like the Hanna checker!
Avelino Fernandez Jr.
Avelino Fernandez Jr. - 10 years ago
Great video. I use kalk in my top off. Can I still dose to get my levels to were I want them then let the kalk to its magic. Or do I need to stop using kalk get my levels were I want them then use kalk again.
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 10 years ago
+Avelino Fernandez Jr. You'll need to use something other than kalk to get them where you want them (two part is generally the normal method).  You can keep dosing your kalk while you do that though (should only take a day or two to adjust with the two part). Have you seen our video on kalkwasser? Using Kalkwasser - EP 3: Calcium, Alkalinity & Trace Elements in your Saltwater Aquarium
baseballhunter42
baseballhunter42 - 10 years ago
I've never dosed like this but see what it's preferred, instead I've always add liquid capfuls of fluval sea calcium and alkalinity weekly. Instead of adding them all at once to the tank can these liquid additives be added to an ato receiver for a more stable dosing option?
baseballhunter42
baseballhunter42 - 10 years ago
Oh ok thats a big help I've been dosing kalk wrong all this time no wonder i can't keep my levels perfect. Thanks BRS.
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 10 years ago
+baseballhunter42 Yes, you'd add new unless you added too much kalk to begin with. Most of what you see at the bottom is precipitation.
baseballhunter42
baseballhunter42 - 10 years ago
Thanks BRS good thing I checked on that with you first. I use kalk but still dose every other week otherwise my levels drop. Do i need to add fresh kalk everytime i fill up my reservoir because right now I mix up what settled at the bottom with the new water.
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 10 years ago
+baseballhunter42 calcium and alkalinity additives must be added separately, if put together in the same container they would react with each other and basically neutralize.  You could look at kalk though, that's a single supplement capable of doing what you mention.
Dirk Blanchat
Dirk Blanchat - 10 years ago
what are those orange fish at 7:18 in the duncans?
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 10 years ago
+Dirk Blanchat naked clownfish, some of my favorite fish in this tank :)
Peter Lynn
Peter Lynn - 10 years ago
Lookin good dude.
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 10 years ago
+Peter Lynn There are 40+ people here at BRS that know Peter Lynn now as "the turtle killer" 
Peter Lynn
Peter Lynn - 10 years ago
Something tells me I'll still prefer project1999. :D
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 10 years ago
If you look close you can see I captured lodizal and he's swimming around somewhere in there : )  Ya know the new EQ is coming out soon ....
Mark Montgomery
Mark Montgomery - 10 years ago
When should you dose Kalkwasser over a 2-part, or 2-part over Kalkwasser?
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 10 years ago
+Mark Montgomery Honestly, in most situations you could get by with either. Kalk isn't a great choice if the pH in your is already on the high side or you have a high demand tank. 
Salty Fish
Salty Fish - 10 years ago
Do I need to dose Calk when I dose for Alk. It seem like my Calk is ok but my Alk is off all the time. I have my alk had been droping .5 dkl a day and my Cal has been the same or little change
devisissy1
devisissy1 - 8 years ago
I have learned to only measure alk in the beginning and not ca. if I dose 17ml of alk then I dose 17ml of ca as well. your amounts may differ. after a week you may notice the ca is sky high while alk is low still, in that case dose more of each so instead of 17ml, maybe 22ml. then test again in a week, you should see ca and all are where you want them. so 22ml would be your daily number to dose.
mntbighker
mntbighker - 10 years ago
I dose 150 ml per day to about 80 gallons of volume with my mag over 1500, just to maintain a constant level. Any idea where it's all going? I have hardly any coral. The tank was started in May, and I dose every hour with BRS dosers.
mntbighker
mntbighker - 10 years ago
+mntbighker 2 more days and calc is steady around 270 at 150ml per day. I have increased to 200 to see if I can get the level back to something reasonable. Still baffled at this situation. I also tried 2 different test kits just in case. Salifert and Red Sea.
mntbighker
mntbighker - 10 years ago
+BulkReefSupplyCom Dosing 100ml a day the calcium has now dropped all the way down to 270. I am dosing 150 for the next 2 days to see the response. 76ml of alk per day caused the level to spike all the way to 11.2. Now at 65ml is has slightly dropped to 10.8 in 2 days. Mag is at 1520.
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 10 years ago
+mntbighker Perfect, those numbers are a lot more in line with what one would expect on a tank your size.  120mL over two days is 60mL a day.  On the high end (would be best to let the same test go for another day or two) but even if we assume that that whole 48 hours was consumption and not continuing precipitation from before, it’s a lot closer to the expected dose. 
mntbighker
mntbighker - 10 years ago
+BulkReefSupplyCom
I stopped dosing for 48 hours. Alk dropped from 10.1 to 8.1. Your calculator says 120ml of alk. Calcium dropped from 340 to 320. Your calculator says 170ml of calcium solution. What do you suggest next?
mntbighker
mntbighker - 10 years ago
+BulkReefSupplyCom BTW, at these dosing levels I can't get my calc level above 350.
mntbighker
mntbighker - 10 years ago
+BulkReefSupplyCom
I have adjusted in both directions and also stopped before. The levels just plummet. I have been dosing in this range for months but any time I reduce the amounts the levels get so low things start having major issues. And yes I have precipitate issues too. But if I reduce the dose the levels get way too low really fast. I went from 150 to 100 recently and my alk went from 10 to 9 in a week.
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 10 years ago
+mntbighker A dose like that is most likely overdosing and precipitating, especially if you don't have many corals in the tank.  Try to stop dosing for a couple of days to let things stabilize and start at a much lower dose (I would start at 20mL per day) and adjust from there. :)
GENISIS1TWENTYONE
GENISIS1TWENTYONE - 10 years ago
Great video and explanation of the whole process behind dosing 2 part
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 10 years ago
+GENISIS1TWENTYONE thanks for the comment, glad you liked it :)
Alex Bautista
Alex Bautista - 10 years ago
Good staff thumbs up like always
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 10 years ago
+Alex Bautista thanks, appreciate it! :) 
915Mang
915Mang - 10 years ago
Nice! You add corals quick! Whats an ETA on BRS shirts?! MANG?!
915Mang
915Mang - 10 years ago
+BulkReefSupplyCom Sweet!!!
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 10 years ago
+915Mang i'll try to move it up on the list of to do's :)
King Midas
King Midas - 10 years ago
This video is exactly what I was looking for. I'm setting up 3 new systems now and want to 2 part dose them. Thanks for the video. Any chance of a BRS Dosing pump with a stepper motor? Thanks. 
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 10 years ago
+King Midas That's an interesting idea, nothing in the works at the moment but we'll keep it in mind. 
T ISM
T ISM - 10 years ago
So informative! I could never get my head around dosing and thought it was a complicated process, but you've explained it really well, and I'm definitely going to start doing it.
Thank you.
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 10 years ago
+T ISM Thank you!! That was the exact goal of this video, your comment made my day :)
gavin m
gavin m - 10 years ago
do you shave your arms?
gavin m
gavin m - 10 years ago
+BulkReefSupplyCom just a little curious they looked really smooth lol
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 10 years ago
+Gavin Marsolick lol we're not that kind of website...
Jose
Jose - 10 years ago
BRS.  Im having a problem.  I bought your 2 part. I have an outside sump.  So when i try to dose, ph levels get to high before i can adjust alkalinity.  Even if dividing dose in various days.  So lets say i start with 7.4 alk dose the required amount ph goes up more than 0.2/ Next day i have same alk or lower.  Cant add more because ph gets too high.  Any ideas?
Jose Soto
Jose Soto - 10 years ago
+BulkReefSupplyCom
THanks.  But i just bought the 2 part system so it is full.  I understand what you say and may give it a go next time but any ideas for now?  Would it be any difference if i drip feed or something?  Thanks in advance
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 10 years ago
+Jose Your best bet if your pH is too high when using sodium carbonate (soda ash) would be to switch your alkalinity supplement to something like sodium bicarbonate, which is almost neutral to your pH (has a very slight pH lowering effect). 
SIMUANGCO2468
SIMUANGCO2468 - 10 years ago
What is the shelf life of mixed alk and calcium?  Will it lose potency over time?
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 10 years ago
+SIMUANGCO2468 Short of accidentally spilling something in it or contaminating it in some other way, it will outlast you :)
George Brown
George Brown - 10 years ago
Great video. Keep up the good work! 
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 10 years ago
+George Brown will do, thanks for watching :)
Mark Simmons
Mark Simmons - 10 years ago
Do you sell the syringe holder you used in the video near the end for testing alk?
mntbighker
mntbighker - 10 years ago
+BulkReefSupplyCom
I think he means the titrator from Red Sea.
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 10 years ago
+Mark Simmons Hm... at the end it's just sitting in the bottle of reagent - is that what you mean?
gsacksmn
gsacksmn - 10 years ago
great, in depth video.
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 10 years ago
+gsacksmn awesome, glad you enjoyed it!
Aaron Harris
Aaron Harris - 10 years ago
The videos just keep getting better! Thanks BRS!
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 10 years ago
+Aaron Harris  glad you are enjoying them, thanks for watching!
Reefz Tk
Reefz Tk - 10 years ago
awesome video and informative 
ReefDVMs
ReefDVMs - 10 years ago
Any news on Vertex doser coming out with ability to add on to?
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 10 years ago
+lawson hall Too be honest it will depend on the individual aquarium.  I've always had good luck measuring my magnesium once a month, and then adjusting from there.  I also have seen people use a dosing pump and supplement the magnesium once a week, or once every two weeks.  It will totally depend on your system and schedule :)
lawson hall
lawson hall - 10 years ago
+BulkReefSupplyCom hey i have a quick question when using a doser do u add the magnesium once a month on a specific day
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 10 years ago
we haven't heard of an eta +ReefDVMs 
Brunosfish
Brunosfish - 10 years ago
Are there any salt mixes that don't lower the magnesium?
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 10 years ago
+Brunosfish Some of them are higher than others and it depends what salinity you mix your salt to. There are some salts like Red Sea coral Pro that are designed to have higher calcium, alkalinity and magnesium than other salts. http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/red-sea-coral-pro-salt.html
Reef Raf
Reef Raf - 10 years ago
Great video.  ur tank is gorgeous
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 10 years ago
+Reef Raf Thanks for the kind words :) it's definitely worth the work at the end of the day!

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