Water Change Levels.

Dan Fagan · #1 07/15/2004, 07:42 AM

I am currently using IO. My newly mixed batches have significantly lower levels of Mg, Ca and lower dKH than my tank.

My tank has these levels.

Ca 430 IO 360
dKH 10.2 9
Mg 1430 980
pH 8.1

Up until this point I have not been too concerned with the levels of the newly mixed water since I was testing and dosing heavier after water changes. (I realize this is not a good thing and am looking to chnge my ways !) With the addtion of a Ca reator, I was hoping to eliminate the dosing task but I find myself still dosing to get to my desired levels. (over time of course.)

I believe I need to boost the levels of the new water before the water change. My question is, Can I safely use the 2 part B-Ionic and Magnesium in the new water ? How long before doing the water change?..How much or how long should I aerate (sp?) before changing ? Is Kalkwasser a better option ?

Dan Fagan · #2 07/15/2004, 07:45 AM

BTW--that second number in the levels is the IO levels in newly mixed water. Did not come out right on the post....

Randy Holmes-Farley · #3 07/15/2004, 09:00 AM

Yes, you can use a two part additive and magnesium additions in the salt mix to raise the IO to match the tank. However, to raise calcium that much, you'll have to use relatively more of the calcium part (about 10 times as much as the alk part), so you might be better off using calcium chloride for the calcium rise.

Hobster · #4 07/15/2004, 11:42 AM

Dan,

FWIW, I was also concerned with the low levels of Ca and Mg in my 200 g buckets of IO. I called Aquarium Systems and inquired. They told me that IO has Ca of 400 and Mg of 1300 (somewhere around that). I wrote them and explained that my testing (Seachem and Salifert) showed much lower (same as yours) The rep requested I mail him a sample, which I did on Monday, so we will see what they come up with after their test

Randy Holmes-Farley · #5 07/15/2004, 12:14 PM

What salinity are you folks using to arrive at those values?

Hobster · #6 07/15/2004, 12:37 PM

Mine was/is at 1.025-6. Refractometer.

Randy Holmes-Farley · #7 07/15/2004, 01:55 PM

That sounds good.

Dan Fagan · #8 07/15/2004, 02:53 PM

MIne was slightly lower. 1.023-4

Dan Fagan · #9 07/15/2004, 02:54 PM

Hobster-

I would like to know the results when they get back to you. Should be interesting...