Calcium levels - how to maintain

[aculross]

This is an old subject and perhaps you can point me to some articles to read that will help -

I'm having trouble getting my CA levels anywhere near 400. I have a 120 FOWLR (kinda) with some softies and one LPS. There is almost no purple coraline and I'd like it to grow. If I add a 2-part CA/Alk supplement (ESV) I can get them to about 380 but then my pH is running pretty high. I really pushed the 2-part suppliement a couple of years ago and started to get some purple coraline but other reefers said I was going WAY crazy with the supplement and to stop. I'm sure something else must be out of balance. Are there more balanced additives that I should try? Mg?

Thanks in advance

 

[Anonymous]

You could use these methods:


http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/ ... 4/chem.htm


http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-02/rhf/index.php

 

[Anonymous]

What's your alkalinity at? If your alk is sky high you can't force calcium into the mix since your water is already saturated.

Ditto goes for magnesium whats that at?

 

[aculross]

I'm not sure what my alk or Mg levels are, but for arguments sake let's say my alk is sky high but my calcium levels are low - how does one correct that condition so I can raise my CA levels?

 

[Anonymous]

I'm not sure what my alk or Mg levels are, but for arguments sake let's say my alk is sky high but my calcium levels are low - how does one correct that condition so I can raise my CA levels?

You need IMHO to read and implement the procedures in those two articles.

1. measure mag, cal, alk

2. get the values where you want them (for instance mag 1350, calcium 400, alk 10-12)

3. Dose calcium/alk when alk measures low

4. after 1 gallon dosing calcium/alk dose 300ml of magnesium.

If you dose calcium, alk will drop.

if magnesium is low (a very common condition after running a tank for awhile) you can have trouble maintaining cal and alk.


my .02

 

[aculross]

Thanks all !