Metal Halides and Evaporation

Captain Squid · 10/26/2010, 10:24 AM

Ok question from a MH newbie.

3x250 SE in a canopy on 180 gal

fan blowing across reflectors

sump in basement, 75 gal

auto top off directly from DI water line

So the evaporation is HIGH. maybe 2 gallons a day. For the first time ever I found my calcium lower ( 350 ) and added supplement to bring back up ( had just done water change last week with Ocean Reef Crystals )

Can the calcium drop be related to the evaporation and addition of 2 gallons on fresh a day? TIA

Toddrtrex · 10/26/2010, 10:58 AM

The calcium drop isn't related to the evap -- just fresh water evaps, and you are replacing just fresh water, so in theory your calcium level would stay the same (( assuming nothing in the tank is using it up )).

2 things could account to the lower calcium -- increased coral growth (( or even size )), and your salt has lower levels.

As for evaporating 2 gallons a day, for that sized tank, that is on the low side.

DustinB · 10/26/2010, 12:42 PM

+1 for increased growth. I wouldn't expect it to be the salt considering you are using reef crystals.

FWY, My 90g tank with dual 250w MH evaps 1.5gal/day.

Captain Squid · 10/26/2010, 01:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DustinB

+1 for increased growth. I wouldn't expect it to be the salt considering you are using reef crystals.

FWY, My 90g tank with dual 250w MH evaps 1.5gal/day.

Thanks for the replies. I thought that the evap wasnt the cause but this was new to me, this drop. Suspecting that if it is coral growth I may start looking into a calc reactor or drip method. Reactor seems more reliable and safe but obviously more expensive

Already spent the inheritance I didnt have on this tank

DustinB · 10/26/2010, 01:04 PM

Cheapest solution may be to buy a couple cheap dosing pumps and some DIY 2-part from bulk reef supply. Should be ok for a while, but with a 180g you may end up needing a calcium reactor one day.

Captain Squid · 10/26/2010, 01:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DustinB

Cheapest solution may be to buy a couple cheap dosing pumps and some DIY 2-part from bulk reef supply. Should be ok for a while, but with a 180g you may end up needing a calcium reactor one day.

Excuse my naievity ( and spelling ) by 2 part you mean calcium and magnesium?

So two pumps and two parts ? Cant they be mixed or will I blow the joint up?

Any diagrams you know of for this simple yet for me elusive setup?

Thanks again!

DustinB · 10/26/2010, 02:07 PM

Calcium and alkalinity, if you are using one you are using the other. Magnesium is typically not at that high of a demand. I only add mag once a month or so.

Yes it will be 2 pumps. Here's one way to do it cheaply: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh....php?t=1773806

Otherwise, there are many commercial units available.

10/26/2010, 10:24 AM	#1
Captain Squid Registered Member. Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: North East Pennsylvannia Posts: 127	Metal Halides and Evaporation Ok question from a MH newbie. 3x250 SE in a canopy on 180 gal fan blowing across reflectors sump in basement, 75 gal auto top off directly from DI water line So the evaporation is HIGH. maybe 2 gallons a day. For the first time ever I found my calcium lower ( 350 ) and added supplement to bring back up ( had just done water change last week with Ocean Reef Crystals ) Can the calcium drop be related to the evaporation and addition of 2 gallons on fresh a day? TIA

10/26/2010, 10:58 AM	#2
Toddrtrex Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Carol Stream, IL Posts: 23,162	The calcium drop isn't related to the evap -- just fresh water evaps, and you are replacing just fresh water, so in theory your calcium level would stay the same (( assuming nothing in the tank is using it up )). 2 things could account to the lower calcium -- increased coral growth (( or even size )), and your salt has lower levels. As for evaporating 2 gallons a day, for that sized tank, that is on the low side. __________________ Click my name and then "visit toddrtrex's homepage" for tank pictures Current Tank Info: 210g reef and 65g reef

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10/26/2010, 12:42 PM	#3
DustinB Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Texas Posts: 1,532	+1 for increased growth. I wouldn't expect it to be the salt considering you are using reef crystals. FWY, My 90g tank with dual 250w MH evaps 1.5gal/day.

10/26/2010, 01:04 PM	#5
DustinB Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Texas Posts: 1,532	Cheapest solution may be to buy a couple cheap dosing pumps and some DIY 2-part from bulk reef supply. Should be ok for a while, but with a 180g you may end up needing a calcium reactor one day.

10/26/2010, 02:07 PM	#7
DustinB Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Texas Posts: 1,532	Calcium and alkalinity, if you are using one you are using the other. Magnesium is typically not at that high of a demand. I only add mag once a month or so. Yes it will be 2 pumps. Here's one way to do it cheaply: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh....php?t=1773806 Otherwise, there are many commercial units available.