Calcium & Alk

[KeishaKornbread]

I've been dosing my little setup lately and I was curious about levels of calcium & alk most people prefer to maintain on their system.

Please share?

 

[yogoshio]

I like calcium high, keeps my coraline growth up. around 500 or so. Alk I keep normal, just to keep my pH in balance. I dose two-part from BRS.

 

[Pufferpunk]

Ca ~450, alk ~8-10. I make my own alk & use Pedlow for Ca.

 

[Lil BamBam]

I like the levels below and my mixed reef is I use E.S.V as my 2 part (for now,)

ALK 8-9
CAL 420+
MAG 1300+
PH 8.1 +

 

[KeishaKornbread]

I'm currently using SeaChem Fusion's 2-Part for Alk and Ca. What is everyone else using and why did you pick those products?

 

[FishBeard]

Used cbalance 2-part gallon jug concentrate, bought because the price was good. Worked well when I was dosing.

 

[Lil BamBam]

Here is a quick video on how ALK & CAL work.. Also a good review on why I use E.S.V 2 part

Hope that helps

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sr2M-AlyTmk&feature=youtube_gdata_player

 

[KeishaKornbread]

I'll be testing my water this evening. I plan to order Hanna Checkers for Phospate, Cal and Alk this Friday.

 

[Lil BamBam]

I'll be testing my water this evening. I plan to order Hanna Checkers for Phospate, Cal and Alk this Friday.

IMO, don't get the CAL or ALK as they are PITA to use. (from what I read) I have the Phospate and like it :thumbup:

 

[EricTheRed]

I'm a kalk guy. Dose it in my ATO resevior...Love it. I add Seachem's Reef Plus and Reef Trace 2x week since you don't get that stuff in kalk. For leveling out I make my own Ca. Alk and Mg.

I keep my Ca at 420 and my dhk at 7-8.

 

[KeishaKornbread]

IMO, don't get the CAL or ALK as they are PITA to use. (from what I read) I have the Phospate and like it :thumbup:

What do you use to test Ca and Alk then? Is it easier?

 

[Lil BamBam]

What do you use to test Ca and Alk then? Is it easier?

I use Redsea Pro, which comes with ALK, CAL and MAG for $55 or less at PA.. But Salifert or Elos work also

 

[The reefer]

I keep my cal at 485, alk at 9.3 and mg around 1300.
I dose with seachem reef fusion 1 and 2. And I test all my params with salifert test kits.

 

[dohc97]

I keep my calcium at around 460, alk at 8.5 dkh, mag over 1300 and ph around 8.1-8.3
i currently use brs 2 part recipe 1 but that is because a good friend hooked me up with the kit. Once im out of it i will go back to esv b ionic.

 

[Rodney]

I aim for Cal 400-430, Alk 8-9 using API test kits.

Just signed up for the Aqua Medic testing and will send off the first test this Tuesday morning.

 

[KeishaKornbread]

My calcium has been hovering around 520+. My Alk has been around 7-8. Should I be worried? These were results with API tests. I did go ahead and order the Calcium, Alk and Phosphate Hannah Checkers.

 

[Tangency]

My calcium has been hovering around 520+. My Alk has been around 7-8. Should I be worried? These were results with API tests. I did go ahead and order the Calcium, Alk and Phosphate Hannah Checkers.

Your readings look fine to me. The calcium is high now, but, that's okay. (When calcium falls below the natural salt water level of 420ppm is when you need to supplement) Your readings will eventually come down once you have more corraline, sps, or lps additions to your setup. Your alkalinity is at NSW. Good job.

 

[ryanjan11]

Has anyone tried Bio-Calcium Actif by Tropic Marin???

 

[KeishaKornbread]

Your readings look fine to me. The calcium is high now, but, that's okay. (When calcium falls below the natural salt water level of 420ppm is when you need to supplement) Your readings will eventually come down once you have more corraline, sps, or lps additions to your setup. Your alkalinity is at NSW. Good job.

That's what I though. Thanks for confirming!! This is soo exciting!!!

 

[Nxt]

Has anyone tried Bio-Calcium Actif by Tropic Marin???

I just picked it up. I'll start using it this week. any else have some input?