Cycle and Calcium and Alk

Broog · 07/11/2006, 03:14 PM

My tank is currently going thru its initial cycle, been up and running for 4 days with live rock, starting to get a ammonia spike, question is, should I even worry about Calcium and Alk levels yet, and using a two part additive? Thanks in advance Broog.

bertoni · 07/11/2006, 04:43 PM

I would just do some water changes. Testing calcium and alkalinity is useful if you want to drip limewater to keep the pH up, to avoid overdosing calcium and alkalinity. If the lights are kept on, the coralline algae might consume enough calcium and alkalinity to make it worth dosing, but usually not, I think. It's a personal choice.

KIDiCARUS · 07/11/2006, 05:59 PM

i would say your salt mix would have all the elements you need when just starting off a tank. it's once you start adding corals, you will need to watch your alk,ca and ph. with nothing in the tank theres not much that will consume any of those elements.

07/11/2006, 03:14 PM	#1
Broog Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Alamo, Tn Posts: 251	Cycle and Calcium and Alk My tank is currently going thru its initial cycle, been up and running for 4 days with live rock, starting to get a ammonia spike, question is, should I even worry about Calcium and Alk levels yet, and using a two part additive? Thanks in advance Broog.

07/11/2006, 04:43 PM	#2
bertoni RC Mod Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Mountain View, CA, USA Posts: 88,616	I would just do some water changes. Testing calcium and alkalinity is useful if you want to drip limewater to keep the pH up, to avoid overdosing calcium and alkalinity. If the lights are kept on, the coralline algae might consume enough calcium and alkalinity to make it worth dosing, but usually not, I think. It's a personal choice. __________________ Jonathan Bertoni

07/11/2006, 05:59 PM	#3
KIDiCARUS Premium Member Join Date: May 2001 Location: Orange County Posts: 62	i would say your salt mix would have all the elements you need when just starting off a tank. it's once you start adding corals, you will need to watch your alk,ca and ph. with nothing in the tank theres not much that will consume any of those elements.