Reef Results Calcium Carbonate

[Goofy393]

Is anyone using Reef Results products, specifically the Calcium Carbonate? I have dosing questions and need some advice. My current 110 is Ca:360 with Kh:8.2 and Mg:1380. I've been dosing at 5ml x 2 daily and have increased to 10ml x 2 daily without results. Question is that I would be dosing much higher with 2 part and in that this is a new substitute product for 2 part would it be harmful to increase dosing substantially to attempt to achieve Ca:400-420? When I say "Substantially" I'm thinking 20ml x 2 daily and see what happens. Any suggestions would help. I am prepping my 265 and need to decide which way to go; this product or 2 part. Thank you all....

[bertoni]

I can't tell what's in the product. If it actually contains calcium carbonate, like a bunch of other products, it won't work. If it contains calcium acetate, it might be okay. I would guess it's basically just fine sand, but I can't be sure.

[Goofy393]

Thank you bertoni, I will check to see whats in it.

[Goofy393]

If it contains Calcium Carbonate it won't help so is 2 part the best option out there? Like BRS's product?

[disc1]

Originally Posted by Goofy393

Like BRS's product?

I get my calcium chloride from them, but you can definitely beat their price on baking soda by going to the grocery store.

[bertoni]

The BRS supplies seem to be fine. I bought my Dow Flake online a long time ago, and got baking soda from the grocery store.

[Jimmy54]

The Easiest and safest way to add calcium carbonate to your aquarium! A premium, water soluble, proprietary formula is the ideal, all-natural, one-step calcium carbonate buffer. Years of research and development testing on all types of aquariums has resulted in faster growth, more intense colors, visibly healthier inhabitants, massive coraline algae growth and increases PH and Alkalinity, calcium magnesium, strontium, potassium, barium, iodine, iron and all major and minor trace elements. The proven list of benefits just keeps growing! This product is a must for anyone maintaining a marine fish or coral reef aquarium.

Sounds like plain saltwater to me
Maybe good for a small water-change. Maybe with a little elevated calcium, magnesium and (bi)carbonate levels.
But I don't think it will be sufficient to maintain a calcium consumption like 10 or more mg/l per day.
Or to raise any parameter significantly for that matter.

[Goofy393]

Jonathan, what do you use for Ca? I like the reviews on the BRS Ca and also like what David says about buying Baking Soda from local store. Thanks for the replies!

[bertoni]

I bought a pile of Dow Flake a long time ago.

[Goofy393]

Originally Posted by bertoni

I can't tell what's in the product. If it actually contains calcium carbonate, like a bunch of other products, it won't work. If it contains calcium acetate, it might be okay. I would guess it's basically just fine sand, but I can't be sure.

According to the originator of the product it contains high levels of Acetate and dosing much higher levels is fine. I intend to push it up quite a bit over the weekend, monitoring closely, and will report back what I find. There are a few pro's in my area who use this in their maintenance service.

One drawback; the solution needs to be shaken prior to use therefore I'm having a difficult time trying to devise a way to auto dose this.

Any suggestions?

[disc1]

Ah, the acetate is the thing. Be careful though, too much can make for a nasty bacteria bloom.

[bertoni]

I agree that calcium acetate should be fine. You might be able to dilute it down to keep it in solution, but I'd ask before doing that. It might become food for bacteria at some point.

[Goofy393]

I've increased dosage to 30ml x 2 daily and still no rise in Ca. I will be returning in that they have a Satisfaction Guarantee and going with 2 part. Thank you all.

[bertoni]

You're welcome! Please let us know how well the product works for you!

[Goofy393]

Since my last post I bought BRS 2 Part and my levels Ca, Mg, and Alk levels have reached, and maintained, my desired levels.

I returned the unused portion of the product I was using and the retailer refunded the purchase in full. They were reluctant and a little insulted after saying they have never had this product returned. but as mentioned, they refunded.

I will say that after my original dosing of 2 part the Ca levels were high, 480, but in the week since adding they have lowered to 410-420 with a very little change the past 3 days. Like from 430 to 410 over three days. Is this slight change normal when starting a 2 Part regiment? I was expecting the need to add equal parts Ca and Alk to the tune of 1ml-1.5ml per gallon and have not seen such necessity. Im using Red Sea Pro Test with API back-up and the readings are consistent between the two.

[bertoni]

Tuning the 2-part takes some time, and the supplements might be a bit off in concentration. I'd watch the trend line for alkalinity and calcium for a while. Has the alkalinity been holding steady while the calcium dropped?

[Goofy393]

Originally Posted by bertoni

Tuning the 2-part takes some time, and the supplements might be a bit off in concentration. I'd watch the trend line for alkalinity and calcium for a while. Has the alkalinity been holding steady while the calcium dropped?

Yes, a little. Tonight my Ca was at 400 (down from 410) and my Alk was at 8.4 (9dKh desired). I dosed 100ml Ca and 40ml Alk for my 110 (estimating a 100g tank volume). I'll see where i am tomorrow night.