Calcium Drop!

[wflash3]

well i went to the LFS and got a full check on my water even though i have the basic testers like Ph, nitrite and phosphate. And i asked for a calcium check and he said it was 180 ppm!? i had added calcium a couple weeks back since i never did before. and now i remember seeing my pulsating xenia not even pulsate one bit. it was out and everthing but not moving at all. could low calcium be the reason??
i am adding calcium "dust" every other day for a total of 3 times and then testing it again.
I will keep you guys posted.....

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[SkiFletch]

What do you mean by calcium dust? Dont tell me you're adding calcium chloride in salt form straight to the tank?

 

[callell]

Or do you mean Calcium Hydroxide

Either way these should not be added directly to the tank

What Marine Salt are you using, there are some thathave problems with keeping Cal levels up

 

[wflash3]

What do you mean by calcium dust? Dont tell me you're adding calcium chloride in salt form straight to the tank?

Or do you mean Calcium Hydroxide

Either way these should not be added directly to the tank

What Marine Salt are you using, there are some thathave problems with keeping Cal levels up

It is prepared calcium that can be added directly into the tank...It says it on the container. Also, i dont make my salt water, i buy it prepared.

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[wflash3]

Guys, here is the link to what im adding directly to my tank...Is it good?

http/www.bigalsonline.com/BigAlsUS/ctl36...calcium500grams

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[callell]

I would enquire as to what salt you LFS is using in there prepared mix, as calcium will be replaced with water changes

 

[wflash3]

I would enquire as to what salt you LFS is using in there prepared mix, as calcium will be replaced with water changes

good point, ill ask for their calcium levels in their prepared water...

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[SkiFletch]

Ok you can add that. Are you testing for alkalinity and pH? If not, start doing so now.

 

[callell]

Ok you can add that. Are you testing for alkalinity and pH? If not, start doing so now.

Just be careful when adding, as you calcium level does have a direct ratio on your Alk & Alk on you ph
IMO read up on this chemistry before adding these types of products

 

[SkiFletch]

Ok you can add that. Are you testing for alkalinity and pH? If not, start doing so now.

Just be careful when adding, as you calcium level does have a direct ratio on your Alk & Alk on you ph
IMO read up on this chemistry before adding these types of products

AGREED. I'd go over to the marine chit chat section, check out page 2 of the "Realm of knowledge" sticky. I posted some good reef chemistry links there

 

[wflash3]

is it true that if your pH is good that your Alk. will be good?

My pH is at 8.2, or almost there

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[steelhealr]

The best way to keep you calcium levels in satisfactory range is with regular weekly SW changes with a a good sea salt. If you are using LFS SW, you'd better have them check their Ca2+ levels. If low, you'll either have to make your own or supplement.

In the interim, the easiest way to bring your Ca2+ levels up is with a 2 part Calcium supplement. If your pH is good, you can just use the Calcium portion. It is not the best way to do this over time, but, for the short term, it will work.

Start checking your Ca2+/buffering on a regular basis.

SH

 

[SkiFletch]

If your pH is good, you can just use the Calcium portion. It is not the best way to do this over time, but, for the short term, it will work.

I agree completely. If your pH is 8.2, chances are your alkalinity and magnesium are not horrifyingly low (while your calcium is). As such, I would continue to suppliment calcium until it gets into the 350ppm range. Go SLOW though, dont try and shock the system with a single big dose. Doing so WILL cause precipitation of calcium carbonate and a pH crash. My best solution would be to test at the same time every day before dosing. Then dose an amount and see how your calcium levels react the next day. If they're up the next day by only a tiny margin, dose more that day. If they're up by a massive margin, dose less that day. make sense?

 

[wflash3]

If your pH is good, you can just use the Calcium portion. It is not the best way to do this over time, but, for the short term, it will work.

I agree completely. If your pH is 8.2, chances are your alkalinity and magnesium are not horrifyingly low (while your calcium is). As such, I would continue to suppliment calcium until it gets into the 350ppm range. Go SLOW though, dont try and shock the system with a single big dose. Doing so WILL cause precipitation of calcium carbonate and a pH crash. My best solution would be to test at the same time every day before dosing. Then dose an amount and see how your calcium levels react the next day. If they're up the next day by only a tiny margin, dose more that day. If they're up by a massive margin, dose less that day. make sense?

makes perfect sence. My lfs and the container instructions say to add a scoop for every 5 gallons, every other day, 3 times and then to check the calcium level again.

oh and it says for every 5 gallons a level scoop of the calcium will raise the level about 28 ppm. And every scoop is 1 tsp.

Any thoughts?

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[SkiFletch]

Start with what the box says, and adjust from there