Initiating the Modern Reef - Proportional Consumption RKS Method
To successfully implement our method, it is essential to first establish a stable foundation by maintaining calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and carbonate hardness (KH) levels within the recommended ranges outlined above. If necessary, utilize Modern Reef KH+, Ca+, or Mg+ to achieve these parameters.
While nitrates (No3) and phosphates (Po4) levels can be adjusted to personal preference, we strongly recommend adhering to our suggested parameters when employing the Modern Reef - Proportional Consumption RKS method.
To begin, determine the maintenance dosage of KH (carbonate hardness) by dosing equal parts of each canister daily to maintain a KH level between 7.2-8.5 dKH. Subsequently, identify your ideal KH level for your specific reef aquarium system and setup, thereby completing the proportional consumption reef keeping system.
Determining the Maintenance Dosage of KH:
- Initiate dosing at 2.5-5 ml per 100 liters daily.
- Gradually adjust the dosage by 1-2 ml per 100 liters daily until you achieve a stable KH level between 7.2-8.5 dKH.
- Monitor KH levels daily using an accurate testing method, such as the Hanna Checker dKH, to ensure precise readings and adjustments.
Transitioning to Modern Reef from a Previous System:
If you're switching to Modern Reef from a previous system and know the concentration of your previous KH solution, follow these steps to determine your starting dosage:
- Determine how much your current KH solution raises KH levels per 10ml dose per 100 liters.
- Use the following formulas to calculate your starting dosage:
- For Modern Reef Blue version: (10ml × KH increase per 10ml dose) / 1dKH
- For Modern Reef Black version: (10ml × KH increase per 10ml dose) / 2dKH
Example Calculations
- If 10ml of your current KH solution raises KH by 0.5dKH in 100 liters, and you're switching to Modern Reef Blue version:
- (10ml × 0.5dKH) / 1dKH = 5ml per 100 liters
- If 10ml of your current KH solution raises KH by 0.5dKH in 100 liters, and you're switching to Modern Reef Black version:
- (10ml × 0.5dKH) / 2dKH = 2.5ml per 100 liters
Monitoring and Adjustments
After starting with the calculated dosage, monitor your KH levels daily and adjust the dosage as needed to maintain a stable KH level between 7.2-8.5 dKH. Use an accurate testing method, such as the Hanna Checker dKH, to ensure precise readings and adjustments.
Optimizing KH Levels for Your Reef Aquarium
Now that you've determined the maintenance dosage of KH, it's time to find the ideal KH level for your reef aquarium setup. To do this, focus on stabilizing calcium levels between 380-440ppm by dosing equal parts of calcium and alkalinity supplements. Then, test your KH levels to find the ideal range between 7.2-8.5dKH.
Tip: Once you've found the ideal KH level for your tank, you can reduce the frequency of calcium testing.
Scenario 1: Calcium Decrease
If you're dosing equal parts to maintain a KH level of 7.5, but your calcium levels are decreasing:
- Increase your equal-parts dosage to raise KH to 7.7
- Recheck calcium levels after one week
- Repeat the process if necessary until calcium levels stabilize
Scenario 2: Calcium Increase
If you're dosing equal parts to maintain a KH level of 8, but your calcium levels are increasing:
- Decrease your equal-part dosage to lower KH to 7.8
- Recheck calcium levels after one week
- Repeat the process if necessary until calcium levels stabilize
By following these guidelines, you'll be able to find the perfect balance of KH and calcium levels for your reef aquarium.