How To Dose Aquaforest Component 1+, 2+, 3+ - EVERYTHING Reef Tank Corals Need

While two-part solutions have long been the favored approach to supplementing reef aquariums with vital calcium and alkalinity, there are some drawbacks to this method, especially when used on mature reef tanks with a heavier demand for calcium and alkalinity.

Classic calcium chloride and sodium carbonate based two-part solutions slowly create an ionic imbalance over time that leads to an increase in sodium chloride ions. You also don't get the benefit of magnesium and a variety of other minor and trace elements that are necessary for corals to grow and thrive. These additional elements need to be maintained separately using additional additives. 

Enter the Component 1+, 2+, 3+ System which is a truly comprehensive dosing solution for reef aquariums.  The system is based upon the balling method where three individual additives are dosed in equal parts to maintain calcium, alkalinity, and magnesium without creating an ionic imbalance. Aquaforest took this a step further and also included the necessary minor and trace elements that corals deplete from the aquarium water as they grow and metabolize. Everything your reef tank corals need with three simple solutions dosed in equal parts each and every day.

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The Component Plus System is designed strictly for maintenance and will only replenish the elements corals consume on a daily basis. The bundle includes three 5 Liter containers of the necessary solutions and they cannot be purchased individually. Each solution is dosed in equal parts and is dosed based on your tank's daily consumption of calcium, alkalinity, and magnesium.  

You will need reliable calcium, alkalinity, and magnesium test kits to dial in your dosage and verify stability in your reef aquarium. The best approach is to deliver the Component System additives using dosing pumps but the solutions can be measured and dosed manually.

How To Calculate Your Tank's Component 1+, 2+, 3+ Dosage

It is important that your tank's parameters are balanced at the correct levels before you begin dosing Aquaforest Component plus. DO NOT use Component 1+, 2+, 3+ to adjust your tank's parameters, use BRS Bulk Pharma or AF Labs Plus instead. You can also perform a series of water changes using clean saltwater to correct imbalances and help you obtain your target parameters. 

1. Test your aquarium's calcium, alkalinity and magnesium levels; record the results.
2. Wait 24 hours and test your aquarium's levels once more; record the results.
3. Use the Aquaforest Calculator to calculate your dosage based on your tank's daily consumption.*

*Be sure to enter your tank's capacity into the AF Calculator on the top right side of the page using gallons or liters. Enter your current and target parameters as recorded during your water tests and select the correct Component 1+, 2+, or 3+ additive before calculating your dose. 

If the AF Calculator supplies different amounts of each component, use the smallest dosage amount as your starting dose for all three components. It is important to always dose the solutions in equal parts so use the calculator as a guide but always start with the most conservative dose.  After 3-5 days, test your parameters and increase dosage as necessary to maintain target parameters. 

For example: If the calculator instructs you to dose 108 mL of Component 1+ and 73mL of Component 2+, start by dosing 73 mL of all three components each day for the first week. Test your levels and increase (or decrease) the dosage of all three solutions as needed. 

How to Connect Your Dosing Pump

Installing a 1/4" bulkhead directly onto the lid of the Aquaforest Component containers makes it easy to connect directly to your favorite dosing pump and you won't need to purchase purpose-built dosing containers. You will need three dosing pumps and three modified lids, one for each solution. The 1/4" bulkhead and acrylic rod ensures the pump can draw the entirety of the solution and reduces the risk of drawing air into the dosing lines.

Aquaforest Component 1+, 2+, 3+ Bundle
A truly comprehensive dosing solution for your reef.

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