when to dose?

[insearch]

Is there a need to dose calcium right away or could a simple B-Ionic do just fine until the introduction of hard corals.

Is B-Ionic adaquate enough to suppliment coraline growth.

I,m not finding descent info on calcium time frames other than it is required for hard corals. Maybe one of you can aim me in the right direction.
Thanks
Bob

 

[tangir1]

What is the calcium level right now?

 

[ChrisRD]

Is there a need to dose calcium right away or could a simple B-Ionic do just fine until the introduction of hard corals.

B-Ionic is a balanced 2-part additive that supplies calcium as well as alk, so if you're using B-Ionic you're already adding calcium. It's fine to use before and after you add stony corals - you just need to dose more of it when you start stocking up with stony corals.

Kalkwasser top-off is another balanced Ca/Alk supplementing option (and cheap).

Is B-Ionic adaquate enough to suppliment coraline growth.

Yes. In fact, B-Ionic is all you would need to use in many tanks even after the introduction of stony corals - you just up the doseage as Ca/Alk demand goes up.

I,m not finding descent info on calcium time frames other than it is required for hard corals.

By time frame, I'm assuming you want to know when to start dosing something? Monitor your Ca and when it starts dropping, start dosing something like kalkwasser or B-Ionic.

FWIW, I usually start with kalkwasser top-off in the first few weeks of starting up the tank because as coralline algaes start to form they use up some Ca/Alk.

If you're using a 2-part like B-Ionic, begin with the starting doseage shown on the label and check Ca/Alk once in a while. Then increase/decrease your dosage as required to maintain the correct levels.

 

[insearch]

Thanks for the info.

To answer Tanger1, I am not testing yet, I know I should not add anything to the tank if I am not testing for it but I am useing the minimum dosage and LFS and other reefers told me it should be fine. I just started B-Ionic about 3 days ago. Anyway I am going to buy the test kit tonight.
Thanks
Bob

 

[Baianotang]

You can use the 2 B-ionic and kalk for replacement of evaporated water. Thi is done to keep up the calcium demands in a full blown reef. But not necesary in the begining.