Let's talk about Alkalinity, Calcium and Magnesium in an SPS Tank - Page 14

Aquarist007 · 12/20/2009, 04:31 PM

Since IO has come out with new higher levels of magnesium in its salt mix I have not had too much of an issue with mag levels.

Aquarist007 · 12/20/2009, 04:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by melev

I'd have to refer you to Randy's Magnesium article to provide the facts. Off the top of my head, Epsoms Salt will definitely affect salinity when a lot of it is used.

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-07/rhf/index.php

apology for the off topic question here

Marc, a local guy here wants a 300 gal tank but split so half can be a predators tank and the other a mixed reef. He says he got the idea from the States. Do you know of such a setup?

dvanacker · 12/21/2009, 09:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by melev

I'd have to refer you to Randy's Magnesium article to provide the facts. Off the top of my head, Epsoms Salt will definitely affect salinity when a lot of it is used.

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-07/rhf/index.php

The issue with using only magnesium sulphate is the increase in sulphate concentations.

mranthonymb · 12/29/2009, 02:52 PM

def good stuff to know and im not goin to lie i only read to page 5 so far but i have a question
i have a 90gal tank up for about 4 or 5 months with only a dendro and like 3 zoa frags..... my question is should i start playing with the Alk Mag and Cal now before i start with the SPS or after???
i am planning on doing it soon but wonder what yall think

ssublime1 · 01/02/2010, 12:29 AM

Measure and practice keeping your parameters in check for a while before adding sps. If you have the time, I would check these daily for a couple weeks to see if and how much they change day to day.

tyreeftank · 01/08/2010, 10:44 AM

I have a hard time maintain my calcium to 400. I am use a Kalk reactor for dosing calcium and alk. Is there anything else that I can do.

Aquarist007 · 01/08/2010, 11:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tyreeftank

I have a hard time maintain my calcium to 400. I am use a Kalk reactor for dosing calcium and alk. Is there anything else that I can do.

how big is you tank and is it predominately sps corals?

tyreeftank · 01/08/2010, 11:29 PM

75gal tank with couple sps corals.

melev · 01/09/2010, 03:27 PM

You may need to buffer up the calcium with a commercial product, tyreeftank. Then the kalkwasser can maintain it.

tyreeftank · 01/09/2010, 04:20 PM

Thank for the info. I will to buffer up with calcium.

Aquarist007 · 01/09/2010, 07:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tyreeftank

Thank for the info. I will to buffer up with calcium.

suggest a chloride so it has minimum impact on the alk levels

I like using Kent Turbo Calcium

dosing can be expensive so I suggest you use one of the better quality salt mixes available on a regular basis. I like using Reef Crystals--its numbers are higher then others.

here is a list of what is in the major brands of salt mixes

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1287118

Aquarist007 · 01/09/2010, 07:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by melev

You may need to buffer up the calcium with a commercial product, tyreeftank. Then the kalkwasser can maintain it.

Marc---what is your preferred level for ca, alk and mag for a predominately sps tank.

melev · 01/09/2010, 07:35 PM

Pretty much what Randy has recommended, to match NSW (Natural Sea Water) parameters.

1.026sg
8-11 dKH Alkalinity
375 - 450ppm Calcium
1300 - 1350 ppm Magnesium (I try to keep this one at 1400)

mranthonymb · 01/11/2010, 01:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ssublime1

Measure and practice keeping your parameters in check for a while before adding sps. If you have the time, I would check these daily for a couple weeks to see if and how much they change day to day.

thanks i will do that forsure

tonyf · 01/11/2010, 09:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by capn_hylinur

suggest a chloride so it has minimum impact on the alk levels ... dosing can be expensive so I suggest you use one of the better quality salt mixes available on a regular basis. I like using Reef Crystals--its numbers are higher then others.

Calcium chloride from your local pool shop is a cheap and effective substitute over expensive 'marine aquarium specific' products.

Tone

Aquarist007 · 01/13/2010, 11:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tonyf

Calcium chloride from your local pool shop is a cheap and effective substitute over expensive 'marine aquarium specific' products.

Tone

you have to be careful with some pool shop grade chemicals---lots of impurities in them. Good enough for you to swim in but not your critters

tonyf · 01/14/2010, 11:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by capn_hylinur

you have to be careful with some pool shop grade chemicals---lots of impurities in them. Good enough for you to swim in but not your critters

of course, always use premium grade products with livestock.

hybridazn · 01/29/2010, 05:56 AM

hey guys i just did a water test and this is what i got...

alk- 7
cal- 520

i dont have a mag test kit yet but i am in the process of getting one. i dont really dose anything for cal. but i did just do a water change, could that be why its so high? I was getting ready to dose kalk and reef builder to bump up alk but with the cal. level being high should i wait? also what would help bring that down some?

sorry i am a real noob when it comes to this stuff

Aquarist007 · 01/31/2010, 11:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hybridazn

hey guys i just did a water test and this is what i got...

alk- 7
cal- 520

i dont have a mag test kit yet but i am in the process of getting one. i dont really dose anything for cal. but i did just do a water change, could that be why its so high? I was getting ready to dose kalk and reef builder to bump up alk but with the cal. level being high should i wait? also what would help bring that down some?

sorry i am a real noob when it comes to this stuff

What is your pH?
and what salt mix are you using.
I tend to think that the test for calcium is in error if you are not doing any supplementary dosing for it.

hybridazn · 02/01/2010, 10:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by capn_hylinur

What is your pH?
and what salt mix are you using.
I tend to think that the test for calcium is in error if you are not doing any supplementary dosing for it.

sorry i should have put everything from the test results.

ph- 8.3

i use reef crystals salt mix.

i used to dose purple up but i havent in about 2-3 months. i guess i will try to do the test again and see what happens.

GeoB · 02/10/2010, 08:37 PM

Great thread!! I've started useing Smart Reef 3-Part on my 120, and after 2 weeks I'm getting Alk, Ca, and Mg to finally get to my target levels 9, 450, 13-1400. I'd like to start useing a Ca Reactor I picked up (Reef Octo w/ solinoid and Milwaukee controller/meter) as I get the impression it will be easier to maintain these levels utilizing a reactor. How would I begin bringing this on line without creating a spike or drop in parameters?

woofu · 02/14/2010, 08:13 AM

ive got a question.. please help .you say low magnisium helps maintain the alk and cal.. i use coralife salt.. my alk is alway about 8.6 calcium 390 but my mag is always of the charts... i use salifert test kits.. it comes out to like1800 ... is that way too high? i thought that mag should be about 3 times the calcium. i dont have issue with the corals .. but i cant seem too get calcium much higher. i am currently using kent liquid calcium and the chart posted on page one said that i would need to add 50 some tsp to get to 425.. the recommended dose is like 4 daily..

Aquarist007 · 02/14/2010, 06:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by woofu

ive got a question.. please help .you say low magnisium helps maintain the alk and cal.. i use coralife salt.. my alk is alway about 8.6 calcium 390 but my mag is always of the charts... i use salifert test kits.. it comes out to like1800 ... is that way too high? i thought that mag should be about 3 times the calcium. i dont have issue with the corals .. but i cant seem too get calcium much higher. i am currently using kent liquid calcium and the chart posted on page one said that i would need to add 50 some tsp to get to 425.. the recommended dose is like 4 daily..

what test kit are you using for the mag---appears to be in error

To raise you calcium you might want to use Kent Turbo calcium in solid form

You need to need alot less of it to raise the calcium level.

gary faulkner · 02/14/2010, 07:26 PM

Can kalk be used to raise Alk and Ca or is it just to maintain what you have.

If using kalk, should one use baking soda or baked baking soda to raise level of Alk?

TIA

old_mr2 · 02/24/2010, 04:57 PM

Kalk is for keeping stable, baking soda and Damprid are for raising Alk and Ca to desired level.

12/20/2009, 04:31 PM	#326
Aquarist007 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Hamilton, Canada Posts: 28,240 Blog Entries: 1	Since IO has come out with new higher levels of magnesium in its salt mix I have not had too much of an issue with mag levels. __________________ I prefer my substrates stirred but not shaken Current Tank Info: 150gal long mixed reef, 90gal sump, 60 gal refugium with 200 lbs live rock

01/29/2010, 05:56 AM	#343
hybridazn Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Grapeville PA Posts: 887	hey guys i just did a water test and this is what i got... alk- 7 cal- 520 i dont have a mag test kit yet but i am in the process of getting one. i dont really dose anything for cal. but i did just do a water change, could that be why its so high? I was getting ready to dose kalk and reef builder to bump up alk but with the cal. level being high should i wait? also what would help bring that down some? sorry i am a real noob when it comes to this stuff Last edited by hybridazn; 01/29/2010 at 06:16 AM.

12/29/2009, 02:52 PM	#329
mranthonymb Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Houston Tx Posts: 53	def good stuff to know and im not goin to lie i only read to page 5 so far but i have a question i have a 90gal tank up for about 4 or 5 months with only a dendro and like 3 zoa frags..... my question is should i start playing with the Alk Mag and Cal now before i start with the SPS or after??? i am planning on doing it soon but wonder what yall think

01/02/2010, 12:29 AM	#330
ssublime1 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Japan Posts: 94	Measure and practice keeping your parameters in check for a while before adding sps. If you have the time, I would check these daily for a couple weeks to see if and how much they change day to day.

01/08/2010, 10:44 AM	#331
tyreeftank Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Chicago Posts: 79	I have a hard time maintain my calcium to 400. I am use a Kalk reactor for dosing calcium and alk. Is there anything else that I can do.

01/08/2010, 11:29 PM	#333
tyreeftank Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Chicago Posts: 79	75gal tank with couple sps corals.

01/09/2010, 03:27 PM	#334
melev Moved On Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Ft Worth, Tx Posts: 43,217	You may need to buffer up the calcium with a commercial product, tyreeftank. Then the kalkwasser can maintain it.

01/09/2010, 04:20 PM	#335
tyreeftank Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Chicago Posts: 79	Thank for the info. I will to buffer up with calcium.

01/09/2010, 07:35 PM	#338
melev Moved On Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Ft Worth, Tx Posts: 43,217	Pretty much what Randy has recommended, to match NSW (Natural Sea Water) parameters. 1.026sg 8-11 dKH Alkalinity 375 - 450ppm Calcium 1300 - 1350 ppm Magnesium (I try to keep this one at 1400)

02/10/2010, 08:37 PM	#346
GeoB Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Montgomery, NY Posts: 17	Great thread!! I've started useing Smart Reef 3-Part on my 120, and after 2 weeks I'm getting Alk, Ca, and Mg to finally get to my target levels 9, 450, 13-1400. I'd like to start useing a Ca Reactor I picked up (Reef Octo w/ solinoid and Milwaukee controller/meter) as I get the impression it will be easier to maintain these levels utilizing a reactor. How would I begin bringing this on line without creating a spike or drop in parameters?

02/14/2010, 08:13 AM	#347
woofu Moved On Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: peoria, il Posts: 191	ive got a question.. please help .you say low magnisium helps maintain the alk and cal.. i use coralife salt.. my alk is alway about 8.6 calcium 390 but my mag is always of the charts... i use salifert test kits.. it comes out to like1800 ... is that way too high? i thought that mag should be about 3 times the calcium. i dont have issue with the corals .. but i cant seem too get calcium much higher. i am currently using kent liquid calcium and the chart posted on page one said that i would need to add 50 some tsp to get to 425.. the recommended dose is like 4 daily..

02/14/2010, 07:26 PM	#349
gary faulkner Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: North Carolina Posts: 1,468	Can kalk be used to raise Alk and Ca or is it just to maintain what you have. If using kalk, should one use baking soda or baked baking soda to raise level of Alk? TIA

02/24/2010, 04:57 PM	#350
old_mr2 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Newcastle AU Posts: 38	Kalk is for keeping stable, baking soda and Damprid are for raising Alk and Ca to desired level.