ESV B-Ionic Help!

[frankyrivera]

Hello all,

so I just got my bottles of 2 part and have a few questions before I get started.

1. Can I start dosing 2 part on the same day I do a water changes
2. Do I have to add both parts equally
3. If my calcium is perfect but my Alk is low can I add just the Alk
4. How long do I wait in between each dose
5. Where do you add it in your sump, in the fuge, in the return section or in the skimmer section
6. Do I need to shut anything off, skimmers, returns or pumps
7. My total volume is 130 gal., according to bottle its 1 ml per 4 gal which would equal 32.5 ml. Since the cup it comes with maxes out @ 30 ml I'm not going to worry about the extra 2.5 ml is that ok
8. What happens on day two do I test and dose the same amount or adjust according to test results
9. What if one level is ideal and the other is low and I dose both parts equally again would the high level get higher
10. Once I've reached desired levels do you wait until levels deplete to dose again or do u cut dose in half to maintain
11. Sorry for all the questions
12. Anything else I missed or should know
13. Should I add part 1 to one end of the sump and part 2 to the opposite end
Thanks in advance

Sincerely,

The ESV B-Ionic Virgin

[my2girls]

2 part is designed to be added as equal parts preferably in the sump. Don't make it more complex than it has to be. You don't have to shut off pumps or skimmer. Test often so you know how much your tank is consuming. Don't add it on consecutive days if levels are fine. Try not to add only one part to raise a specific parameter because you will just run short early. Instead, use a buffer (like baking soda) to raise alk when needed, and buy a bottle of calcium chloride (any brand) to raise calcium alone. There is no such thing as cutting the dose in half for maintenance.

Add the B-Ionic in the morning when tank lights are off. This way you will get a pH boost when needed and not at the end of your light cycle.

Don't sweat the small stuff and have fun with the hobby.

[frankyrivera]

How do u use baking soda to raise alk as a buffer. My calcium is 454 but my alk is about 7.5. So should I add the baking soda buffer to bring alk to say 9 first and then start the 2 part. Or start the 2 part and then add the baking soda. Thanks Rob

[my2girls]

I would let calcium come down over time and supplement baking soda to keep your alk at 7.5. To me, that's perfect but most guys like alk between 8-12 dkh. Where do like to keep your alk?

[frankyrivera]

So is it safe to add the 30 ml of each 2 part with my levels where they are

[my2girls]

Your tank really doesn't need supplementing now unless you would like to keep your alk higher.

[frankyrivera]

So ur advice hold off on the 2 part for now and do the baking soda for the Alk

[my2girls]

Yes. Maybe a few days to a week of baking soda only should do the trick. I'd start dosing 1.5 teaspoons mixed of RODI tonight. That will get alk up to 8.

[frankyrivera]

Ok thanks I guess I'll start tomorrow I don't own any baking soda. So just to be sure I need baking soda not baking powder. Arm and hammer ok

[my2girls]

Yes baking soda. Arm & Hammer is great!

[frankyrivera]

Thanks again my friend good night

[norrin_radd]

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2004/4/chemistry

[norrin_radd]

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...readid=1271282

[my2girls]

Randy's 2 part is great if you have the time to make it. I did it for years but got tired of the whole process. Baking baking soda is messy and boring. IMO Randy's 2 part is perfect for larger tanks with moderate consumption who don't want to play with calcium RX. Franky, for the small amount you will use it's probably not worth the effort. JMO

[frankyrivera]

Thanks norrin radd for the info I read through both links and I agree with rob sounds like too much work baking baking soda lol. I guess for my system being so small I should be alright with 2 part when needed

[norrin_radd]

It is work, believe me I know, the other thing I noticed is it take quite a while to find the RIGHT dosage as it is NOT the same "concentration" as the ready made stuff. I use Kent Tech CB and it works FANTASTIC.

[frankyrivera]

Yeah not to crazy about the guess work plus at least I get minor trace elements with the 2 part. Yeah a little pricey but part of the addiction name one thing that is cheap in this hobby lol.

[BfishLpond78]

Reef Central is free!!!!! All this knowledge you're getting is free!!!

[frankyrivera]

I said cheap not free. I give out frags for free lol. Now ball busting sarcasm that's priceless lol get back to work junior

[BfishLpond78]

Woa Woa...free frags?!?!?! Where was I???

[frankyrivera]

Short term memory...my place lol

[Reefir]

I use randys for alk , I just mix 1/4 cup baking soda not cooked in a 1 liter bottle of rodi , I was dosing like 100 ml twice a day and doing the abc powder , but I gave up and let may alk run at 7.5 . the germans keep a alk at 7 and they do well ..hehe.. I let it ride and make sure its stable and dose according to calcium with abc powder . there are trace elements in the powder . no problems here buddy , but every tank is different .

[frankyrivera]

Yeah I'm digging the baking soda technique just didn't care for the baking part. Ideally I would love to do nothing but I know that long term that may not work as corals grow

[Reefir]

try just the baking soda , when u bake it its more concentrated , and use the calcium from whom ever , i just go through too much alk to keep buying bottles . not so much on the calcium . check the mag once in a while or u will never get it balanced right . and use a good salt to help with dosing , I dont dose when I do a water change , and I dont alter my fresh made salt water , rob is right , enjoy it , dont over think the whole process .

[frankyrivera]

Thanks for all the help Ryan not trying to over think it just trying to know the good the bad and the ugly lol. The more knowdledge you have on what's useful and what is a waste of money the better choices I can make