dose directly to replacement water?

Mavrk · 02/17/2008, 02:42 PM

When I mix saltwater, my calcium is a little lower than I would like. Is it better to dose the replacement water directly or dose the whole tank after the water change? I have been doing the latter since I figure it would be better to put a few teaspoons into 80 gallons of water than into 8 gallons. But I thought I would see what others do.

seapug · 02/17/2008, 03:02 PM

A few teaspoons of what? Method and amount depends on what you are using.

Mavrk · 02/17/2008, 03:13 PM

ESV B-Ionic Original Ca Buffer Part 2 (Calcium). According to the calculator I need 3 tsp (15 ml) to bring my 8 gallons of newly mixed water up 30 ppm. I have always figured that it is perfectly safe to add this amount to 80 gallons of water, but then my newly mixed water doesn't have any livestock so it shouldn't matter.

The Professor · 02/17/2008, 06:28 PM

I am no scientist but I do the same thing. I also use ESV. Through my tests of IO reef crystals it has a slightly low calcium reading as well as magnesium. I just dose it to bring it up with display tank levels. I have noticed no ill effects.

rbursek · 02/17/2008, 06:49 PM

ditto

atvdave · 02/17/2008, 07:25 PM

If your just trying to correct the replacement water's CA then just put it in the replacement water first.

However if the correction is for the total tank size then you will need to put in in your tank, a high flow area if you can.

If you put to much of the CA supplement into a small portion of make-up water then it may cause precipitation & could drive down other parts of the water like ALK.

Randy Holmes-Farley · 02/18/2008, 08:42 AM

In general, if you are trying to boost the tank, then dose the tank.

But, tt is fine to boost new salt with as necessary to make it match your goals, and the calcium and magnesium in it might be boosted a little bit more to help raise the tank if necessary (say, 550 ppm max for calcium), but do not try to boost the alkalinity in the new salt water in a way that takes it above 11 dKH (4 meq/L) as you will risk precipitating calcium carbonate from it.

FWIW, I boost my Instant Ocean with calcium via Dowflake and magnesium via MAG flake, both of which are available from hardware stores.

02/17/2008, 02:42 PM	#1
Mavrk Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: California - South Bay Area Posts: 2,775	dose directly to replacement water? When I mix saltwater, my calcium is a little lower than I would like. Is it better to dose the replacement water directly or dose the whole tank after the water change? I have been doing the latter since I figure it would be better to put a few teaspoons into 80 gallons of water than into 8 gallons. But I thought I would see what others do.

02/17/2008, 03:02 PM	#2
seapug Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: 4980 ft. Posts: 7,954 Blog Entries: 1	A few teaspoons of what? Method and amount depends on what you are using. __________________ insert clever saying here. Current Tank Info: 200 gallon custom Marineland DD peninsular tank. LPS dominated mixed reef. Previous 90 gallon mixed reef TOTM April 2009.

02/18/2008, 08:42 AM	#7
Randy Holmes-Farley Reef Chemist Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Arlington, Massachusetts Posts: 86,233	In general, if you are trying to boost the tank, then dose the tank. But, tt is fine to boost new salt with as necessary to make it match your goals, and the calcium and magnesium in it might be boosted a little bit more to help raise the tank if necessary (say, 550 ppm max for calcium), but do not try to boost the alkalinity in the new salt water in a way that takes it above 11 dKH (4 meq/L) as you will risk precipitating calcium carbonate from it. FWIW, I boost my Instant Ocean with calcium via Dowflake and magnesium via MAG flake, both of which are available from hardware stores. __________________ Randy Holmes-Farley Current Tank Info: 120 mixed reef

02/17/2008, 03:13 PM	#3
Mavrk Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: California - South Bay Area Posts: 2,775	ESV B-Ionic Original Ca Buffer Part 2 (Calcium). According to the calculator I need 3 tsp (15 ml) to bring my 8 gallons of newly mixed water up 30 ppm. I have always figured that it is perfectly safe to add this amount to 80 gallons of water, but then my newly mixed water doesn't have any livestock so it shouldn't matter.

02/17/2008, 06:28 PM	#4
The Professor Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: United States Posts: 113	I am no scientist but I do the same thing. I also use ESV. Through my tests of IO reef crystals it has a slightly low calcium reading as well as magnesium. I just dose it to bring it up with display tank levels. I have noticed no ill effects.

02/17/2008, 06:49 PM	#5
rbursek Moved On Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: germantown,wi Posts: 2,339	ditto

02/17/2008, 07:25 PM	#6
atvdave Premium Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Newburgh, IN Posts: 1,763	If your just trying to correct the replacement water's CA then just put it in the replacement water first. However if the correction is for the total tank size then you will need to put in in your tank, a high flow area if you can. If you put to much of the CA supplement into a small portion of make-up water then it may cause precipitation & could drive down other parts of the water like ALK.