Calcium Supplement Question

smoothie7 · 07/25/2014, 07:37 AM

I have been using Reef Code A and Reef Code B made by Brightwell Aquatics in my 29 Gallon cube and it seems to raise the calcium a little but I have been using Calcion-P also made by Brightwell Aquatics in my 90 gallon and it by far IMHO is a better product. The problem that I have is I am going to start using Calcion-P in both aquariums however it is a granular not a liquid. In my 90 I pour the Calcion-P into my filter sock and it dissolves into the aquarium and works great. However, I don't have that luxury in my cube. Would you guys recommend just pouring it into the middle chamber and let it just flow through the pump and back into the aquarium or would you dissolve it in aquarium water first and then pour it into the tank? Thanks.

thegrun · 07/25/2014, 07:45 AM

You should disolve the Calcion-P in RO/DI water before you use it in both systems, not add it in its granular form, or you will get calcium percipitate at the point of saltwater contact which wastes product (you get a smaller calcium boost for a given amount of product). It is then best to drip the solution into your system in a high flow area rather than add it all at once.

Randy Holmes-Farley · 07/25/2014, 10:24 AM

and it seems to raise the calcium a little but I have been using Calcion-P also made by Brightwell Aquatics in my 90 gallon and it by far IMHO is a better product.

You think it is a "better" product just because it is more potent? That is true of any brand of dry calcium chloride, even ones that are impure crap.

Two part products can be much more sophisticated and are better products for many uses (except for one time corrections to calcium levels), but necessarily more dilute to match the limit of solubility of the alkalinity part.

smoothie7 · 07/25/2014, 11:11 AM

I suppose that is probably true. I have been using MarineMix salt which does seem to have a very good calcium base. Every time I do a water change I need to add a bunch of calcium. Once I get rid of this salt I am going to reef crystals which I am sure is a better product.

07/25/2014, 07:37 AM	#1
smoothie7 Registered Member Join Date: May 2014 Posts: 104	Calcium Supplement Question I have been using Reef Code A and Reef Code B made by Brightwell Aquatics in my 29 Gallon cube and it seems to raise the calcium a little but I have been using Calcion-P also made by Brightwell Aquatics in my 90 gallon and it by far IMHO is a better product. The problem that I have is I am going to start using Calcion-P in both aquariums however it is a granular not a liquid. In my 90 I pour the Calcion-P into my filter sock and it dissolves into the aquarium and works great. However, I don't have that luxury in my cube. Would you guys recommend just pouring it into the middle chamber and let it just flow through the pump and back into the aquarium or would you dissolve it in aquarium water first and then pour it into the tank? Thanks.

07/25/2014, 10:24 AM	#3
Randy Holmes-Farley Reef Chemist Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Arlington, Massachusetts Posts: 86,233	and it seems to raise the calcium a little but I have been using Calcion-P also made by Brightwell Aquatics in my 90 gallon and it by far IMHO is a better product. You think it is a "better" product just because it is more potent? That is true of any brand of dry calcium chloride, even ones that are impure crap. Two part products can be much more sophisticated and are better products for many uses (except for one time corrections to calcium levels), but necessarily more dilute to match the limit of solubility of the alkalinity part. __________________ Randy Holmes-Farley Current Tank Info: 120 mixed reef

07/25/2014, 07:45 AM	#2
thegrun Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Garden Grove, Ca Posts: 17,023	You should disolve the Calcion-P in RO/DI water before you use it in both systems, not add it in its granular form, or you will get calcium percipitate at the point of saltwater contact which wastes product (you get a smaller calcium boost for a given amount of product). It is then best to drip the solution into your system in a high flow area rather than add it all at once.

07/25/2014, 11:11 AM	#4
smoothie7 Registered Member Join Date: May 2014 Posts: 104	I suppose that is probably true. I have been using MarineMix salt which does seem to have a very good calcium base. Every time I do a water change I need to add a bunch of calcium. Once I get rid of this salt I am going to reef crystals which I am sure is a better product.