calcium and alk question from retard of the week.

[Clint Lamont]

Ok so I have heard good and bad things about G.A.R.F. But I went and calculated my tank 29gal + 20gal refugium/sump 4in of sand in display and 6in in refugium. Also about 50lbs of live rock all together. So in saying that, the calculater said that I sould put a table spoon of calcium in a gal of to off water, and the same amount of Alk in another gal of top off water. Adding these to the tank in alternating weeks; one week top off with Cal, and other week top off with Alk, and back and forth. Is this ok? Is there to much being added? Should I go about it another way? This is all new to me, I just want to have a consistant rutine.

 

[ChrisRD]

Hi and :welcome:

Personally I don't think that's a great method as Ca/Alk levels will have time to swing up/down. Also, evaporation rates can vary significantly which will throw off your dosing.

IMO the easiest and safest way to supplement Ca/Alk in a balanced form on a small tank is to use a two-part additive like B-Ionic.

A cheaper alternative would be Randy's DIY two-part.
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/april2004/chem.htm

Kalkwasser is another option but if you're new to this, and especially considering it's a small tank, I'd avoid that for now. Overdosing kalkwasser will spike pH and can wipe out your tank.

HTH