What do you use to dose ca & alk

[chase33]

Question for those using or have used the two-part solution or an equivalent. What do you use to add the solutions to your tank. I want to know the following:

1. The equipment you use such as litermeter III (or manual dosing)
2. Pros and cons of the equipment
3. If starting over would you take same approach? Why/why not.
4. Do you do anything else to raise/ maintain CA levels (CA reactor) or to supplement your doser such as a controller?
5. Any additional ocmments advice

I looked at the Litermeter III and thought it was expensive especially since an additional pump is needed to pump both the CA and Alk portions of the solution (it only comes with one pump).

[doctorthompson]

Slurry method using a small pipet, a measured amount of calcium hydroxide (based on results of calcium test kit compared with tests from previous days), and just enough RO/DI water to turn the calcium into a paste. This is done in the main display about an hour after lights out, up to three times a week if needed. Never added more than ~3g at a time or ~10g in a week, and usually I add much less, since there aren't many fast-growing calcium-using corals in my tank.

I should go back to using a slow drip running all night with my top-off water, though. I've acquired a VERY bad habit of adding the kalk slurry WITHOUT having an accurate electronic pH meter in my other hand - a potentially dangerous habit even with the modest amounts of calcium my tank uses.

[chase33]

Thanks for the response

[CarmieJo]

This does not really answer your question but here are my methods. In my 54 corner tank I use Kent Aqua Dose 1400mL (http://www.aquariumguys.com/kentaquadose.html) to drip kalk overnight. I first add the kalk to a vial of white vinegar and then add this to the water in the Aqua Dose. Here is an article on why to use vinegar. kalkwasser (http://www.reefscapes.net/articles/breefcase/kalkwasser.html)

In my nano I am finishing up my 2 part solution (I just add it as indicated by tank parameters) and have bought the supplies for a DIY 2 part solution. Here is a how to article on how to make it. http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-02/rhf/index.php.