Why is Tropic Marin Pro Reef so low in calcium?

agoutihead · 02/16/2008, 07:09 PM

I'm getting a consistent reading of less than 400 the last few times ive tested my water.

I thought this was supposed to be higher in calcium?

demonsp · 02/16/2008, 07:14 PM

Is this after the water change?
Whats the reading before water change and the next day?

reefkoi · 02/16/2008, 07:20 PM

I tested a fresh batch last time and it was 400ish
I think with most all salts they figure you are going to maintain it with supplements or a reactor and so if they ship it with anything higher than NSW or above 350 it's good.

The main goal of TM Pro is to mix with more Magnesium and a nice low alkalinity, if you want a alkalinity of higher than 9 you should buy regular TM that's coming straight from the mouth of the US importer of the stuff, I have asked him this question 2x's at 2 different MACNA's.

C

agoutihead · 02/16/2008, 07:27 PM

This was before a water change, last time I did one was about 2 weeks ago. I do generally 5 gallons every week or so (I'm getting more into the habit of it now)

This is on a 40 breeder with a 15 sump, so probably 50 gallons totaly.

how is having more magnesium and lower alkalinity better?

So 350ish is good? I though calcium was supposed to be around 450?

I'd really prefer to not have to add any supplements and just have the salt be higher.

demonsp · 02/16/2008, 07:34 PM

So a breeder is a fish only tank? 350 calcium level is low but if you neglated water changes and just started with 5 gallons bi weekly then i would do 7 or 8 gallons weekly and see if it improves before you take further action.Could also be the salt brand.
Salt water tanks cant survive without water changes. Evaporation , and stock will reduce trace elimantes from the water that only water changes can replace.At least in newer tanks.In older tanks with lots of stock need more then just water changes.

agoutihead · 02/16/2008, 07:37 PM

no I have lots of corals in this tank and plenty of inverts (but never enough!)

Alright I will give it another month before seeing where its at. I'll try and do the 5 gallons weekly.

OneReef · 02/16/2008, 08:32 PM

Seems like I remember reading that the TM Pro had been specially designed for people with Calcium reactors or something to that effect

Davidb6 · 02/16/2008, 08:37 PM

Tests I've seen have TMP show it being over 400 calc. In fact, I'm changing from IO to TMP because of the higher calc. and the reduced need for additives.

A higher Mag is good for fending off hair algae

Natural sea water is about 400 calc.

agoutihead · 02/16/2008, 08:37 PM

I thought the pro was built more for a reef and therefore it had more calcium?

moo0o · 02/17/2008, 03:04 PM

hmm i think it was built towards having parameters closer to NSW levels, so you will always be around NSW levels. imo its best to maintain levels with a calc reactor or 2 part or something rather than water changes.

02/16/2008, 07:09 PM	#1
agoutihead Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Cleveland, Ohio Posts: 2,720	Why is Tropic Marin Pro Reef so low in calcium? I'm getting a consistent reading of less than 400 the last few times ive tested my water. I thought this was supposed to be higher in calcium? __________________ Experience the Liquid Realm...

02/16/2008, 07:20 PM	#3
reefkoi Premium Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Colorado Posts: 3,983	I tested a fresh batch last time and it was 400ish I think with most all salts they figure you are going to maintain it with supplements or a reactor and so if they ship it with anything higher than NSW or above 350 it's good. The main goal of TM Pro is to mix with more Magnesium and a nice low alkalinity, if you want a alkalinity of higher than 9 you should buy regular TM that's coming straight from the mouth of the US importer of the stuff, I have asked him this question 2x's at 2 different MACNA's. C __________________ 1Kw bulb club Current Tank Info: A 600gal. on Zeovit & a 240gal.

02/16/2008, 07:27 PM	#4
agoutihead Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Cleveland, Ohio Posts: 2,720	This was before a water change, last time I did one was about 2 weeks ago. I do generally 5 gallons every week or so (I'm getting more into the habit of it now) This is on a 40 breeder with a 15 sump, so probably 50 gallons totaly. how is having more magnesium and lower alkalinity better? So 350ish is good? I though calcium was supposed to be around 450? I'd really prefer to not have to add any supplements and just have the salt be higher. __________________ Experience the Liquid Realm...

02/16/2008, 07:37 PM	#6
agoutihead Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Cleveland, Ohio Posts: 2,720	no I have lots of corals in this tank and plenty of inverts (but never enough!) Alright I will give it another month before seeing where its at. I'll try and do the 5 gallons weekly. __________________ Experience the Liquid Realm...

02/16/2008, 08:37 PM	#9
agoutihead Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Cleveland, Ohio Posts: 2,720	I thought the pro was built more for a reef and therefore it had more calcium? __________________ Experience the Liquid Realm...

02/16/2008, 07:14 PM	#2
demonsp Moved On Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: el paso tx Posts: 7,634	Is this after the water change? Whats the reading before water change and the next day?

02/16/2008, 07:34 PM	#5
demonsp Moved On Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: el paso tx Posts: 7,634	So a breeder is a fish only tank? 350 calcium level is low but if you neglated water changes and just started with 5 gallons bi weekly then i would do 7 or 8 gallons weekly and see if it improves before you take further action.Could also be the salt brand. Salt water tanks cant survive without water changes. Evaporation , and stock will reduce trace elimantes from the water that only water changes can replace.At least in newer tanks.In older tanks with lots of stock need more then just water changes.

02/16/2008, 08:32 PM	#7
OneReef Reef Guru Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: the great South Posts: 3,218	Seems like I remember reading that the TM Pro had been specially designed for people with Calcium reactors or something to that effect

02/16/2008, 08:37 PM	#8
Davidb6 Registered Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Savanah Ga Posts: 770	Tests I've seen have TMP show it being over 400 calc. In fact, I'm changing from IO to TMP because of the higher calc. and the reduced need for additives. A higher Mag is good for fending off hair algae Natural sea water is about 400 calc.

02/17/2008, 03:04 PM	#10
moo0o Premium Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: SJ,CA Posts: 1,694	hmm i think it was built towards having parameters closer to NSW levels, so you will always be around NSW levels. imo its best to maintain levels with a calc reactor or 2 part or something rather than water changes.