help please ( dosing)

[aqua666]

hi
first of all I am dosing kent marine calcium and magnesium in my tank to bring it to a good level. today I started dosing the kent marine dk buffer to bring my hardness level and I putted half a tsp but my finger leather coral closed him self all the way a bit after. is it ok or does it mean that my corals are getting damge?\

second of all I see some white looking cone things which are very small sticking to the wall of my sump and my pump and pretty much every where.
any one knows what that is ?
thanks   

[salvini55]

those white things are filter sponges (good). The dkh buffer needs to be added to a high flow area... like really high flow


Also those suppliments will cost you a second mortgage in the long run

[aqua666]

I know its gonna cost me but what do I have to do when my magnesium and my calcium and my hardness are just super low?
any advise would be nice
thanks

[salvini55]

look into DIY two part or getting a calcium reactor to support Cal and Alk. Mag should only need supplimenting every so  often when the levels get low so the Kent product will work. However personally I did not like the Kent product, I used a whole bottle and nothing happened  But Cal and Alk will take daily supplimenting so calculate the cost in the long run as appose to ease of use/availability.

[aqua666]

how would you do the two part DIY. I would love to know that or just tell me some link which I can read about.
a q for you. does the two part DIY will take care of both hardness and calcium?

[aqua666]

I dont want and I cant go for a calcium reactor since I have no space left two fit it in.

[FocusFin]

Put an add in classified for magnesium and calcium. Some members buy in bulk and may  have some for sale. Alk you make yourself with baking soda.

If your mag level is low it can take quite a bit before you see a rise of 100ppm.

One of several links to DIY  http://www.3reef.com/forums/water-chemistry/3reefs-diy-2-part-57444.html

[FocusFin]

Also:

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-02/rhf/index.php

[Vincenzo.]

water changes. is your best bet. increase the % you are changing.

and look up: q tip sponge / pineapple sponge.

[aqua666]

thanks
that was awsome
the only thing is when I was reading about them apparently there is a issue with sulfate build up. whats that all about?
thanks

[Vincenzo.]

sponge is a indicator of a healthy tank. and they are GREAT filter feeders. sponges are like #1 filter feeders. they filter like a crazy % of water for their mass. and the circulation through them is re-donk-u-luss..


IF you want to get rid of them.....burst them with light for the week.

[Funkmotor]

I'd like to know what kind of salt you're using.

[aqua666]

im using sea chem reef salt

[RossW]

http://ovas.ca/index.php?topic=42764.msg246403#msg246403