Calcium Levels

[bunjiweb]

The Calcium Levels in my nano seem to be quite high. I am only using straight tap water and some Salifert All-In-One once a week.

Any tips on bringing the levels down or should I just cut out the additives?

Ben

 

[superman]

What's your alkalinity, PH, and Magnesium levels? Keep in mind that many calcium test kits are pretty unreliable and should only be used as a very basic means of testing for calcium level trends.

 

[steelhealr]

Outside of calcium, there really should be no reason to put any additives in the tank. I run my nano at about 380ppm Calcium and I check magnesium once every 1-2 months. What level is your calcium. Reportedly 500ppm and over things start to precipitate. SH

 

[bunjiweb]

Well the reason I didnt state it is that I have used 2 different test kits and both gave me different readings. One came out as 460 and the other at 540

My pH is consistantly between 8.2 so I don't worry about that. I have actually never tested for magnesium, and as that is linked to water hardness and therefore calcium and alkalinity. so i guess i need to test it!

I will however stop adding the Sailfert All-In-One.

Ben

 

[Navarre]

I would think you are closer to the lower figure than the higher one. As SH says, above a certain level it begins to presipitate.

 

[SkiFletch]

yeah, if you were up at 540 you'd have LOTS of salt creep

 

[bunjiweb]

hmm well i get very little salt creep as i use evaporation trays. i do however have good coral growth...

Ben

 

[SkiFletch]

Well, if it aint broke, dont fix it

 

[Wolflife]

Outside of calcium, there really should be no reason to put any additives in the tank. I run my nano at about 380ppm Calcium and I check magnesium once every 1-2 months. What level is your calcium. Reportedly 500ppm and over things start to precipitate. SH

what do u mean NO additives ? u mean at all??

 

[Chac]

Outside of calcium, there really should be no reason to put any additives in the tank. I run my nano at about 380ppm Calcium and I check magnesium once every 1-2 months. What level is your calcium. Reportedly 500ppm and over things start to precipitate. SH

what do u mean NO additives ? u mean at all??

IMO additives are unnecessary

 

[crazyelece]

From what I have read and understand it all depends on the Alk. If your Alk isn't high enough the calcium can't be utilized. I have also heard that any amount of calcium is fine above 360ppm as long as its not percipitating (or snowing). I have never heard anything about calcium levels being related to salt creep though. Salt creep is formed as the water in saltwater evaporates and leaves everything else behind.

 

[dawhits]

Wait, so is this salt creep like the salt that is left over when the water evaporates? I have alot of that on the top of my tank, Is there a way to prevent this?
-erik