calcium additives

Fizzerman · 06/15/2008, 12:03 PM

What is the best one to get to keep calcium levels up?

Conky · 06/15/2008, 12:07 PM

After years of trying 2-part additives, I've found kalkwasser (sometimes paired with a calcium reactor) to be the easiest/cheapest way of maintaining pH, calcium and alkalinity levels. It really depends on your evaporation rate and demands, though. In my experience, it does fine for keeping calcium levels up, but I still dose buffers as needed for alkalinity. Doing so tends to make a dent in the calcium levels, though...

Randy Holmes-Farley · 06/15/2008, 12:17 PM

In general, the best methods for calcium supplementation also add a balanced amount of alkalinity. These include CaCO3/CO2 reactors, two part systems, and limewater (kalkwasser is the German word for it). Reefers seem about evenly split between these 3 methods. Each has pros and cons.

I compare different methods here:

How to Select a Calcium and Alkalinity Supplementation Scheme
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/feb2003/chem.htm

In my experience, it does fine for keeping calcium levels up, but I still dose buffers as needed for alkalinity. Doing so tends to make a dent in the calcium levels, though...

I think that can only be true if the limewater is not really meeting the balance demand for calcium and alkalinity, but you are using a salt mix with enough calcium in it that water changes are boosting it each time you perform one.

Conky · 06/15/2008, 12:34 PM

Randy,

The systems I speak of a very large...so that only 10% water changes are feasible on any given day. I have my misgivings about HW MarineMix pro (in terms of composition), but I'm not in a position to change the brand. To compensate, I'll add CaCl2 or the Ca part of a two-part additive to boost levels back up. I also have concerns that denitrification may be what is dragging my alkalinity down...is this possible?

Randy Holmes-Farley · 06/15/2008, 12:59 PM

I also have concerns that denitrification may be what is dragging my alkalinity down...is this possible?

Possibly. Are you using a sulfur denitrator?

06/15/2008, 12:03 PM	#1
Fizzerman Registered Member Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 13	calcium additives What is the best one to get to keep calcium levels up?

06/15/2008, 12:17 PM	#3
Randy Holmes-Farley Reef Chemist Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Arlington, Massachusetts Posts: 86,233	In general, the best methods for calcium supplementation also add a balanced amount of alkalinity. These include CaCO3/CO2 reactors, two part systems, and limewater (kalkwasser is the German word for it). Reefers seem about evenly split between these 3 methods. Each has pros and cons. I compare different methods here: How to Select a Calcium and Alkalinity Supplementation Scheme http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/feb2003/chem.htm In my experience, it does fine for keeping calcium levels up, but I still dose buffers as needed for alkalinity. Doing so tends to make a dent in the calcium levels, though... I think that can only be true if the limewater is not really meeting the balance demand for calcium and alkalinity, but you are using a salt mix with enough calcium in it that water changes are boosting it each time you perform one. __________________ Randy Holmes-Farley Current Tank Info: 120 mixed reef

06/15/2008, 12:59 PM	#5
Randy Holmes-Farley Reef Chemist Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Arlington, Massachusetts Posts: 86,233	I also have concerns that denitrification may be what is dragging my alkalinity down...is this possible? Possibly. Are you using a sulfur denitrator? __________________ Randy Holmes-Farley Current Tank Info: 120 mixed reef

06/15/2008, 12:07 PM	#2
Conky Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 588	After years of trying 2-part additives, I've found kalkwasser (sometimes paired with a calcium reactor) to be the easiest/cheapest way of maintaining pH, calcium and alkalinity levels. It really depends on your evaporation rate and demands, though. In my experience, it does fine for keeping calcium levels up, but I still dose buffers as needed for alkalinity. Doing so tends to make a dent in the calcium levels, though...

06/15/2008, 12:34 PM	#4
Conky Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 588	Randy, The systems I speak of a very large...so that only 10% water changes are feasible on any given day. I have my misgivings about HW MarineMix pro (in terms of composition), but I'm not in a position to change the brand. To compensate, I'll add CaCl2 or the Ca part of a two-part additive to boost levels back up. I also have concerns that denitrification may be what is dragging my alkalinity down...is this possible?