Another new member

[D12monkey]

One note that Frag touched on but really didn't go into too much is that if you dose the 2 part calcium/alkalinity additive then you will definately need to dose Magnesium as it is lowered when you dose the additives. Please make sure that you keep your magnesium up in order to have your corals and animals do their best.

[EvilTwin]

For calcium dosing, here's what I was reading and decided on trying. I figure if this works for the folks at GARF.ORG, it's got to be pretty good:

http://garf.org/milli/125.html

I spent a lot of time reading about their bullet-proof reef tanks and how to set them up. They recommend 55g tanks for their setups but I wanted to get more depth (width) to the tank so I went with 75. Their dosing calls for the use of Seachem Reef Advantage Calcium (in addition to other things), which contains proper amounts of Strontium and Magnesium. Now, I'm not going to discount anything you all say here, because I am a rank amateur at best in this hobby. But one thing I have learned over the years is that a reproducable system that works will typically yeild nice results. And since they have done much of the groundwork to make up this system, I figured I would try it and see how I make out.

As for dosing, since I don't have a sump, what is the best way to go about dosing the tank. I obviously don't want large clouds of calcium for my fish to swim through, looking for a meal.

[FragOutpost]

If you are going to dose additives individually then be sure to pick up all of the appropriate test kits for what you are adding. I only recommended the 2 part formula for its ease of use and convenience, especially for people just starting out who do not yet have very high calcium and alkalinity demands. In my opinion it is good to start out with the keep it simple method and gradually increase the complexity of your system. This way it will be easier to narrow down potential problems.

A good way to dose your tank in a slow and consistent manner is with a steady drip. This can be accomplished numerous ways including purchasing dosing equipment or build yourself a quick $3 doser like the one here - http://www.fragoutpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8
This is not absolutely necessary. You can just mix the additives with some tank water and add to your tank as necessary. The only way that you should have a cloud of calcium in your tank is if the calcium is precipitating which is not a normal occurance. Under normal circumstances these additives will not cloud your tank or have any adverse effects on your fish. As with any dosing regimine, start slow and increase your dosage as necessary. It is always easier to add more to a tank rather than take some out when you've added too much. Over time you will most likely develop a routine and will be able to spot problems before they get out of hand.

[FragOutpost]

Alkalinity is normally measured in dKH or meq/L. I am not used to seeing it in ppm so I just did the conversion a minute ago and 300 doesn't sound right. If you are correct and it is 300 ppm then that converts to around 17 dKH, which is very high. Strip tests are notorious for being not only inaccurate but difficult to read. The next time you visit your LFS plaese take a water sample and have them test for alkalinity and compare your results. Salifert makes a decent alkalinity test kit.