Natural Calcite as substrate

[mling]

While looking for substrate, I saw Petsmart selling Natural Calcite by SeaChem. It is black and claims to be great for reefs. Has any one used Natural Calcite as a substrate instead of Aragonite ? Do you use the same amount as you would Aragonite ?

 

[cindre2000]

I believe the only big difference is that aragonite dissolves at a higher pH than calcite. Thus it is a better buffer. Other than that you would use the same amount and buffer your tank yourself.

 

[Anonymous]

Buffering ability of aragonite is pretty neglible in reef tank due to the chemistry, but if calcite is harder than the aragonite, it may scratch your tank easier :?

 

[IslandCrow]

True, aragonite dissolves at a higher PH, but that PH is still much lower than anything you'd ever see in a reef tank. I'm afraid I haven't heard much of anything about Natural Calcite.

 

[SnowManSnow]

i used the calcite from petsmart once.. it was much larger.. and didn't do anything for my tank.. i later switched to argonite.. ol failthful.

b

 

[Anonymous]

Buffering ability of aragonite is pretty neglible in reef tank due to the chemistry, but if calcite is harder than the aragonite, it may scratch your tank easier :?

indeed

aragonite can only really buffer up to about 7.6-which kind of makes all of the statements on the bags about it's abilities to buffer quite laughable