Calcium questions????

smokinreefer420 · 09/27/2006, 02:12 AM

Okay fellas, don't make fun of me, but two days ago I bought my first coral (torch) and levels were fine except for my assumtion that my calcium was low, so I did what any level-headed human being would do and went out and bought some calcium additive (should've bought a test kit too, but didn't). It states on the back of the bottle to add 1 capful per 80L (20gal). I have a 55gal, so I put two capfuls in. I thought that should be enough, because there is probably calcium from the sand, salt etc..... I then added my coral to the tank. The next day the tank was somewhat cloudy, so I did a water change and I added another capful of calcium additive thinking that I should replace the calcium with what was removed plus more. Note: Just to let everyone know that I had no idea what a snowstorm was untill today. Anyway, the tank was still cloudy. I gave up on it and went to sleep. The next day it was clear, awesome. I went and got my water tested at my LFS for Ca and what the hell, everything else. They told me that my Ca was above 1000. "Holy crap", I thought, that is more than double the recommended amount to have in a tank". Than someone suggested this is not possible because after a tank reaches 600 of Ca than it will just get a snowstorm and go down to 600 untill it discipates. Well, my questions are:

Was this a snowstorm?

Will my new coral die?

Do you think my Alk is effected by this major spike, (LFS does not test this)? I would buy it, but I'm broke.

How do I remove this crazy amount of Ca from my tank?

Is my tank doomed?

Ihanks guys, hope to hear from you soon.

Justin

zachstone13 · 09/27/2006, 02:14 AM

big water change

TekCat · 09/27/2006, 04:11 AM

ditto ^

no, not doomed... water changes; and cleaning powerheads, filters, etc.... from calcium deposits.

Paintbug · 09/27/2006, 06:59 AM

first a couple questions. how big is the tank? and what did you use for calcium?

honestly if a LFS doesnt test alk i would recommend a new LFS. thats a very important part of the water chemistry.

09/27/2006, 02:12 AM	#1
smokinreefer420 Moved On Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Seattle Posts: 72	Calcium questions???? Okay fellas, don't make fun of me, but two days ago I bought my first coral (torch) and levels were fine except for my assumtion that my calcium was low, so I did what any level-headed human being would do and went out and bought some calcium additive (should've bought a test kit too, but didn't). It states on the back of the bottle to add 1 capful per 80L (20gal). I have a 55gal, so I put two capfuls in. I thought that should be enough, because there is probably calcium from the sand, salt etc..... I then added my coral to the tank. The next day the tank was somewhat cloudy, so I did a water change and I added another capful of calcium additive thinking that I should replace the calcium with what was removed plus more. Note: Just to let everyone know that I had no idea what a snowstorm was untill today. Anyway, the tank was still cloudy. I gave up on it and went to sleep. The next day it was clear, awesome. I went and got my water tested at my LFS for Ca and what the hell, everything else. They told me that my Ca was above 1000. "Holy crap", I thought, that is more than double the recommended amount to have in a tank". Than someone suggested this is not possible because after a tank reaches 600 of Ca than it will just get a snowstorm and go down to 600 untill it discipates. Well, my questions are: Was this a snowstorm? Will my new coral die? Do you think my Alk is effected by this major spike, (LFS does not test this)? I would buy it, but I'm broke. How do I remove this crazy amount of Ca from my tank? Is my tank doomed? Ihanks guys, hope to hear from you soon. Justin

09/27/2006, 06:59 AM	#4
Paintbug Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Stoneville, NC Posts: 6,169	first a couple questions. how big is the tank? and what did you use for calcium? honestly if a LFS doesnt test alk i would recommend a new LFS. thats a very important part of the water chemistry. __________________ Never ask a girl over to see your crabs!! <-Tony-> Current Tank Info: NONE currently

09/27/2006, 02:14 AM	#2
zachstone13 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Tampa, FL Posts: 299	big water change

09/27/2006, 04:11 AM	#3
TekCat Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: MN Posts: 3,130	ditto ^ no, not doomed... water changes; and cleaning powerheads, filters, etc.... from calcium deposits.