Bulk 2 Part Directions

Recipe 2

Item List:

·         3 clean one gallon jugs with caps

·         3 gallons of RO/DI or filtered water

·         Magic marker for labeling containers

·         Household measuring cup (8oz)

·         Clean 1+ gallon bucket or bowl

·         Funnel

·         Mixing spoon

Mixing the Solutions

These directions will make 1 gallon each of Calcium, Alkalinity, and Magnesium solution.

Calcium

1. Measure out 1 1/8* household measuring cups of  Crystalline Calcium Chloride Dihydrate and add to a one gallon jug. *If you have our Anhydrous Pellets use 1 household measuring cup.
2. Fill this jug about 4/5^th with RO/DI water, secure cap and shake until dissolved.
3. Fill the remainder of the jug with RO/DI or filtered water.
4. Label "Calcium" and let sit for several hours before use.

Alkalinity

1. Fill one of the gallon jugs about 4/5^th with RO/DI or filtered water and pour into the empty bucket or bowl.
2. Measure out 1 1/8 cups of Sodium Bicarbonate.
3. While stirring the water slowly pour the Sodium Bicarbonate into the bucket or bowl.
4. When dissolved use the funnel to pour the solution into one of the empty gallon jugs.
5. Fill the remainder of the jug with water, cap and label "Alkalinity." Let the solution sit for several hours before use.

*Note* Mixing the alkalinity portion directly in the jug is more difficult to dissolve and may result in clumps forming at the bottom. If clumps occur warm the jug in a sink of hot water and shake vigorously.

Magnesium

1. Add 5 level cups of Magnesium Chloride and 3 level cupfuls of Magnesium Sulfate to a one gallon jug.
2. Fill this jug about 4/5^th with RO/DI or filtered water, cap and shake until dissolved.
3. Fill the remainder of the jug with water, cap and label "Magnesium." Let the solution sit for several hours before use.

Dosing 2 Part

1. First test calcium, alkalinity and magnesium levels and adjust to their correct points if needed. Levels must be at the right points before beginning daily dosing. Use the calculator at http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/ during this step. *Spread the recommended adjusting doses out over a few days to avoid shocking the system. Be sure to dose each solution separately and slowly to high flow areas of the tank. This is especially important when dosing the Alkalinity portion as temporary increases in pH will occur.*
2. Determine the daily dose.
1. Use the table below to help determine a good starting point for daily dosing of the Calcium and Alkalinity solutions. The daily doses of Calcium and Alkalinity will be equal amounts.

2. Add your doses of Calcium and Alkalinity separately and slowly to high flow areas of the tank. This is especially important when dosing the Alkalinity portion as temporary increases in pH will occur.
3. After a few days of dosing retest Calcium and Alkalinity levels. If levels are not on target adjust the daily dose up or down. It may take some trial and error to get this part dialed in.
4. Once the dose is dialed in continue daily dosing until the gallon jugs of Calcium and Alkalinity are finished. At this point it is time to dose 20oz of the Magnesium solution. This can be done entirely in one dose just remember to add slowly to a high flow area of the tank.

F.A.Q's

1. I see a cloud when I dose the Alkalinity portion, is this a problem? No, some cloud may be visible. The cloud occurs because the solution being added is highly concentrated and having a significant effect on the pH of the immediate area. This is why it is very important to dose slowly to a high flow area of the tank. Make sure the dose is correct and add slower.
2. I would like to dose the Magnesium portion in multiple doses instead of one dose in the end, is this ok? Yes, this is fine and many people opt to do this. Just keep to the following ratio: 10oz of Magnesium solution for every 1 gallon of Calcium and Alkalinity. (10oz Magnesium:1 gallon Calcium:1 gallon Alkalinity)