question about calcium

[rennne39]

I was told that you can use purple-up as calcium. I would like to know is this true because I have run out of calcium and need to use some until the store opens tomorrow? Also how often should I been putting calcium in the tank. In addition, do I need to dose for alk every time I do calcium

[Shard]

Yes, purple up is calcium, and you can use it. But going one day without calcium is not a major emergency if you prefer to use the other type you have been using instead. As for how often to add calcium, measure your calcium level and readjust it back up to around 420 or so, it really depends on the tank. If you are doing consistent water changes, supplements are usually unnecessary.

[rennne39]

thanks alot for the help

[timmyb770]

I wouldnt really worry so much about the calcium wich is a major factor and still would dose everyday, but i would really focus on your alk level is is much more important, but going a day without it isnt going to make a huge difference

[Shard]

I should probably also mention that you should monitor the magnesium level also. If your magnesium level is low, then your just wasting all the extra calcium to are adding to the water because it is settling out. Magnesium helps keep the carbon dissolved in the water. If you are new to the hobby, I would be careful dosing magnesium, as you can easily overdose it.

[spleify]

First, let me ask if you are testing for Ca and Mag? If you are not, then stop dosing anything until you get some test kits and start testing. If your not testing then you have no way of knowing that you are dosing the correst amount or dosing to much.

Second, Purple Up is absolutely not calcium! Its pulverized sand stone. And in my, and many others opinion, snake oil at best.

What have you been using as a calcium supplement? Ca and Alk should be dosed in equal amounts so to say one is more inportant than the other is incorrect.

Here is a good article on how to make an inexpensive 2 part solution.

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-02/rhf/index.php

And here is a good article on the relationship of the big three.

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-06/rhf/index.php

HTH

Good luck

[rennne39]

this is test kit I use it does not test for mg but I will buy test for it

Sera Marin Aqua Test Box

This professional set consists of eight different
water tests for saltwater aquarists.

Contains the following tests:
• pH value
• carbonate hardness
• ammonium/ammonia
• nitrite
• nitrate
• phosphate
• iron
• copper
• calcium

[rennne39]

I have been using eco three part

[Shard]

I personally like Kent Marine Tech CB two part buffer. It works great for me. I use Purple Up sometimes, I think it works a little bit, but not as good as they claim. The reason I would say that it works to a degree is a noticeable shift in pH can instantly be observed when it is added. I take this as some evidence for the fact that something (preferably calcium) is dissolving in the water.

[spleify]

Not saying that those arn't good or accurate test kits but I have had good results with Salifert and trust in them pretty well.

Take a look at the article that I linked in my previous post, it should shed a little light on things.

I don't know anything abut the eco three part but did a Google searh on it and it seems quit pricey in my opinion. There are definitely other methods out there that are less expensive

[rennne39]

I had post to ask if some one could help me found something that is not so pricey that was given to me, so it is all I know. I run out and I thought I had more time to look into finding something else

[spleify]

No problem theres probably nothing wrong with it, all I was saying is that there are less expensive alternatives available.

[rennne39]

Originally Posted by spleify

No problem theres probably nothing wrong with it, all I was saying is that there are less expensive alternatives available.

I would like if you could recommond so of those please I am reading the link you sent now. when I went to reorder I seen how much it cost and was in shock so I agree with you

[Shard]

Look for Kent Marine Tech CB part A and B. I get 1 gallon jugs of it for $20 from my LFS.
It works well for me.

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

As mentioned, Purple Up is not a good calcium supplement. Worse yet, you can get false high calcium and alkalinity readings when testing if there is any of the fine aragonite suspended in the water.

I discuss such calcium carbonate additives here:

Calcium Carbonate as a Supplement
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issu...y2002/chem.htm

[rennne39]

is it better to use a reactor or a two part and can you recommond any diy plans for a reactor thanks a lot

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

The big three methods are reactors, limewater, and two parts. All are totally acceptable and each has it pros and cons that relate to what you want to keep in the tank, your budget, and your available time to attend to it.

I compare them here:

How to Select a Calcium and Alkalinity Supplementation Scheme
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/feb2003/chem.htm

[spleify]

Originally Posted by Randy Holmes-Farley

The big three methods are reactors, limewater, and two parts. All are totally acceptable and each has it pros and cons that relate to what you want to keep in the tank, your budget, and your available time to attend to it.

I compare them here:

How to Select a Calcium and Alkalinity Supplementation Scheme
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/feb2003/chem.htm

lol, Randy is correct here, but I was referring to the big three as Ca, Mg and ALK. Sorry I should have been more specific

[rennne39]

I won a clam I now have to keep up with the calcium levels for it

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

but I was referring to the big three as Ca, Mg and ALK.



I didn't even notice that. It's just an expression I use.

I won a clam I now have to keep up with the calcium levels for it

Alkalinity even more so, as a clam (or any calcifying organism) will cause depleted faster, on a percentage basis, than calcium.