Alk and CA question

[zigginit]

i am trying to balance out my tank in terms of alk and ca. my last test had alk around 8 but Cal around 250. i have been adding kalk every other day almost for a week but still the Ca is even lower.

im looking to see if anyone can tell me a good DIY additive that is cheap and easy to use. any personal experance with these products? i was scared that adding things like calcium chloride dihydrate (dowflake) would add "other things" that are no good for the corals. maybe im scared for nothing but thought i should ask first. where do i buy these things?

any input would be great as i want to fix this problem right away. thanks guys.

 

[xxtechxx]

BRS calcium works just fine. mix them up in a gallon jug and slowly raise the levels. if your calcium is at 250ppm i would also check your test kit. seems way too low.

 

[djrice69]

I think your magnesium be low since your having issue with adjusting your ca and alk

 

[jason142]

I have to agree about the magnesium and have experienced this first hand. You can dose calcium all day (well maybe not all day ) and unless your mag is between at least 1300-1400 your calcium ppm will not increase.

 

[bella aqua]

Yes, agree
Get your mag level up and cal will stabilize
Brs is most economical

 

[zigginit]

BRS= bulk reef supply?

ill check my mag today if i get a chance. thanks guys

 

[bella aqua]

BRS= bulk reef supply?

Yes

 

[zigginit]

check the mag and it was 1050 so i added some mag. will the increase in mag release the CA that i already put in or do i need to dose kalk again after mag levels off around 1300?

 

[zigginit]

bulk reef supply looked pretty good and easy, can i buy that stuff in a hardware store myself though?

 

[djrice69]

after increasing mag which should be 100ppm/per 24hours to reach your goal of 1300-1500 ppm.

Dosing Ca I usually try to increase 50ppm per every other day
and Alk no more then 1.4 dKh/per every other day

 

[bella aqua]

No you can't buy stuff at local hardware store
And it won't be pure and clean

 

[Radman]

Try adding Vinegar to your ATO water or KALK mix...

I add 30-40ml per gal of RO/DI to my ATO which runs thru a calc stirrer

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2005-01/rhf/index.php

http://www.reefcentral.org/forums/showthread.php?t=1806616

 

[zigginit]

after increasing mag which should be 100ppm/per 24hours to reach your goal of 1300-1500 ppm.

Dosing Ca I usually try to increase 50ppm per every other day
and Alk no more then 1.4 dKh/per every other day

will do thanks