Alca-Balance

[catfishblues]

Hey guys,
The lfs was out of the regular two part calc and alk but the guy there gave me something I could use instead. It's called Alca-Balance by Tropic Marin. I'm skeptical about using this because it says it raises calcium while lowering alkalinity. Shouldn't I be raising alkalinity? I'm pretty much a noob when it comes to water chemistry so I don't know for sure but this doesn't seem right. Anyone used this before? Any help is appreciated! Thanks!

 

[JOSE CASAS]

Haven't used this but seems like it buffers the alk and cal to specific numbers. I like to used a 2 part but this seems fine for now.


Natural alkalinity and calcium concentrations are of special importance to ensure optimum growth and well-being of many invertebrates and calcareous algae in an aquarium.
In many reef aquaria an increase of alkalinity and a decrease of calcium often occur.

With Tropic Marin ALCA-BALANCE, the alkalinity can be easily reduced to 6 to 9 dKH while the calcium concentration can be raised to a natural level simultaneously.

Key features of ALCA-BALANCE:

- Smooth adaptation of the water conditions to optimal KH-values.
- Easy to use in powdered form.
- Two effects in one product.
- No danger when overdosed.
- No Nitrates, no phosphates

 

[LAreefguy]

im not amazing with it myself. That being said Tropic Marin ais a great company their salt mix is one of the best. Alk and calcium work on the same levels if your raising your alk Im pretty sure you lower your calcium. You just wanna get them 2 a sweet spot where they stay at acceptable levels. Im sure there are a lot of guys that know way more than I do.gooodluck

 

[catfishblues]

Thanks for the help guys! I'll give it a try...cautiously...haha

 

[Smite]

I always shoot to keep my tank parameters close to the same as the salt mix I'm using makes. So there aren't any fluctuations if I need to do a large water change.
Does your tank currently use more calcium than alkalinity? Mine consumed fairly equally until my coralline algae started to take off. Now my tank sucks calcium.
As long as you keep a stable alk and your magnesium 3x your calcium you should have a well balanced tank.

 

[SC50964]

I've used it to lower alk but didn't see any significant decrease in alk and only saw increase in calcium.


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[StarBlenny]

I know that reefers who keep SPS and a ULNS (ultra low nutrient system) tends to keep alk low.... maybe it's geared to people who like to keep alk low?