What the Heck are we balling about??

[Reefer Rob]

You can do the 2 part or the Balling method as cheaply or as expensively as you like. When I started, I used 3 Aqualifter pumps and 3 timers. Peristaltic pumps offered way more accuracy, and the Profilux controller takes care of my whole tank.

The last time I adjusted my dosing amounts was in May. Since then CA and kH levels have stayed virtually unchanged. I spend 10 minutes of hard labor filling a 20l and a 10l jug with water and chemicals every few weeks.

I've never owned a calcium reactor, so I don't know how 3 peristaltic pumps and 3 plastic jugs (milk jugs for a small tank) would compare to the price of one.

also if you have a very low evaporation setup the balling method might not be able to put enough stuff in to maintain levels

I add less than 300ml to a 180G tank daily.

Also how do the trace elements come into play, a Ca reactor will also put trace elements back into the water as they are also bound in the media.

The only trace element I add is Iodine, but I'm curious to see if the Fauna Marin for the Balling Method trace elements would make any difference, if anyone in the Lower Mainland ever starts carrying them.

[Aqua-Digital]

Progressive reef has them and so does ocean aquatics.

Your synopsis is great.

It is true as quite rightly put, this method is not about what salts you buy (well it is in regards to purity) but about the method itself. I guess as the distributor this message can easily get lost.

The only thing I would add is make sure you get pure product and that is why we push the fauna salts - purity, you can even use these salts for your chosen two part.

[sphelps]

I'll be installing this kind of dosing system on a clients tank in the next few weeks. I will also be switching out my Ca reactor for this kind of system, to me it just makes more sense. Even when my Ca reactor is working flawlessly it does not match my systems requirements perfectly, still always have to correct levels manually, plus I find a Ca reactor always needs constant attention to keep the flow rate of water and CO2 constant. Why not have a system that simply doses exactly what you need everyday automatically and requires less attention and maintenance?

Looking forward to this system, thanks!

[Aqua-Digital]

Let us know how you get on, feedback always welcome

[lastlight]

I agree with what Sphelps said. I also plan on dosing when my 225 is up and running. And space isn't a huge concern. Most dosers can draw from jugs that are in different rooms or hidden a floor below although I have set aside room for 3 jugs.

[sphelps]

Originally Posted by lastlight

I agree with what Sphelps said. I also plan on dosing when my 225 is up and running. And space isn't a huge concern. Most dosers can draw from jugs that are in different rooms or hidden a floor below although I have set aside room for 3 jugs.

Yeap, plus Ca reactors take up just as much space if not more with the reactor and CO2 tank.

[Reefer Rob]

Thought I'd post a picture of my dosing setup. Note the hi-tech bottle on the right for Mg.


Ocean Aquatics isn't carrying the trace elements for the Balling Method yet. Next time I'm on the island I'll check out Progressive Reef.

[StirCrazy]

Originally Posted by Reefer Rob

I add less than 300ml to a 180G tank daily.


The only trace element I add is Iodine, but I'm curious to see if the Fauna Marin for the Balling Method trace elements would make any difference, if anyone in the Lower Mainland ever starts carrying them.

yup, a large tank, but lets say you have a small tank with only .25L a day of evaporation. I am not talking about the lever of the minerals changing but rather how much water do you need to add to maintain your mineral balance? can you adjust the concentration of the chemicals so you are not putting in a lot of water, say less than 25 ml a day?

Steve