Overdoing the Calcium reactor?

jmaneyapanda · 01/12/2008, 08:49 AM

Hello:

I have a 260 gallon system that is SPS/clam dominated. For calcium/alk I use a MRC CR-2 raector and also run kalk for my top off. For the past 6 months or so, I have been running the calcium reactors pretty strong to get my clacium where I want. I have been running 100 to 150 ml of effluent per minute, and up to 3 bubbles a second. Calcium has been maintained at about 400 to 430, and my alk is typical 12 dkh or so. pH 8.2-8.4, temp 78-80. I have had some issue keeping my mag where it should be, but I think I have that handled now. However, I still do have some issues with certain SPS, They grwo really well, and then i get TN at the tips. So I do a water change, snip the tips, and they regrwo great. Then, the same thing. Only with certain SPS thoughs. Others grow with no issue.

So, my question is, am I overdoing it with the calcium reactor and fluctating my alk more than I know? From what I have read and understand, burning tips as Im seeing is an alk problem, but I juts dont see it in my sporadic readings. Should I go back to the manufacturer recommended 50-60 ml/min effluent, and 1 bubble every second or two? I run the kalk, so claclium should be able to be maintained at this reduced calcium recator output, right? Let me know your thoughts.

SDguy · 01/12/2008, 09:06 AM

I had problems with tip TN on tricolors when I kept high alk. While I had other things going on in my tank (starting using ozone, dosing vodka), I did find the tip recession stopped and healed with lower alk around 9 dKH). Anecdota, I know...but worth a try. Lower slowly, of course

hth

jmaneyapanda · 01/12/2008, 09:55 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by SDguy
I had problems with tip TN on tricolors when I kept high alk. While I had other things going on in my tank (starting using ozone, dosing vodka), I did find the tip recession stopped and healed with lower alk around 9 dKH). Anecdota, I know...but worth a try. Lower slowly, of course

hth

C'mon, you're a biochemist, and thats the best I get out of you?! just kidding. Thanks, I kinda was leaning towards this anyway.

SDguy · 01/12/2008, 10:11 AM

Actually much smarter people than I have been talking about this in another thread...no definitive answers....sorry

jmaneyapanda · 01/12/2008, 10:15 AM

See, and then you just dangle that carrot, and dont even direct me to the thread. Geez, the nerve of some people!

BTW, I had asked for your help with some anthias before, but I could never get a pic, but it is now blatantly obvious that they are dispars. I got some threadfins, and they all pack together.

SDguy · 01/12/2008, 10:44 AM

Sorry...it was burried in the vodka dosing thread in the chem forum, and in a more recent thread.

Recent thread:
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...5&pagenumber=4

Somewhat over-my-head discussion

:
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...8#post10661978

jmaneyapanda · 01/12/2008, 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by SDguy
Sorry...it was burried in the vodka dosing thread in the chem forum, and in a more recent thread.

Recent thread:
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...5&pagenumber=4

Somewhat over-my-head discussion :
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...8#post10661978

Thank you very much sir.

01/12/2008, 08:49 AM	#1
jmaneyapanda Commencing hatred Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 3,784	Overdoing the Calcium reactor? Hello: I have a 260 gallon system that is SPS/clam dominated. For calcium/alk I use a MRC CR-2 raector and also run kalk for my top off. For the past 6 months or so, I have been running the calcium reactors pretty strong to get my clacium where I want. I have been running 100 to 150 ml of effluent per minute, and up to 3 bubbles a second. Calcium has been maintained at about 400 to 430, and my alk is typical 12 dkh or so. pH 8.2-8.4, temp 78-80. I have had some issue keeping my mag where it should be, but I think I have that handled now. However, I still do have some issues with certain SPS, They grwo really well, and then i get TN at the tips. So I do a water change, snip the tips, and they regrwo great. Then, the same thing. Only with certain SPS thoughs. Others grow with no issue. So, my question is, am I overdoing it with the calcium reactor and fluctating my alk more than I know? From what I have read and understand, burning tips as Im seeing is an alk problem, but I juts dont see it in my sporadic readings. Should I go back to the manufacturer recommended 50-60 ml/min effluent, and 1 bubble every second or two? I run the kalk, so claclium should be able to be maintained at this reduced calcium recator output, right? Let me know your thoughts.

01/12/2008, 09:06 AM	#2
SDguy Fish heads unite! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: San Diego Posts: 23,384	I had problems with tip TN on tricolors when I kept high alk. While I had other things going on in my tank (starting using ozone, dosing vodka), I did find the tip recession stopped and healed with lower alk around 9 dKH). Anecdota, I know...but worth a try. Lower slowly, of course hth __________________ Peter SDMAS member Marine tanks since 1989. ><((((º>`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸.·´¯`·...¸><((((º> ·´¯`·.¸. , . .·´¯`·.. ><((((º> Current Tank Info: 240g butterfly and angel FOWLR. 15g QT.

01/12/2008, 10:11 AM	#4
SDguy Fish heads unite! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: San Diego Posts: 23,384	Actually much smarter people than I have been talking about this in another thread...no definitive answers....sorry __________________ Peter SDMAS member Marine tanks since 1989. ><((((º>`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸.·´¯`·...¸><((((º> ·´¯`·.¸. , . .·´¯`·.. ><((((º> Current Tank Info: 240g butterfly and angel FOWLR. 15g QT.

01/12/2008, 10:44 AM	#6
SDguy Fish heads unite! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: San Diego Posts: 23,384	Sorry...it was burried in the vodka dosing thread in the chem forum, and in a more recent thread. Recent thread: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...5&pagenumber=4 Somewhat over-my-head discussion : http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...8#post10661978 __________________ Peter SDMAS member Marine tanks since 1989. ><((((º>`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸.·´¯`·...¸><((((º> ·´¯`·.¸. , . .·´¯`·.. ><((((º> Current Tank Info: 240g butterfly and angel FOWLR. 15g QT.

01/12/2008, 10:15 AM	#5
jmaneyapanda Commencing hatred Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 3,784	See, and then you just dangle that carrot, and dont even direct me to the thread. Geez, the nerve of some people! BTW, I had asked for your help with some anthias before, but I could never get a pic, but it is now blatantly obvious that they are dispars. I got some threadfins, and they all pack together.