2 part calcium/alk buffer, what do you use?

otterpop510

New member
quick question, i just ran out and was going to buy some more of the 2 part calcium/alk buffers, wondering what brand other folks use and why (or what other alternative you use if you don't have a reactor). i was using the b-ionic, but i know that kent and two fishes both have their versions too.

hoping someday to upgrade to a calcium reactor, but its not happening soon, but i'd appreciate it if people could chime in, hoping to pickup some soon. i tried looking around, but if there's another thread there if someone could refer me there too that would be great..
 
I never tried to make my own, but I se Kent Marine Tech CB and I love it. My tank is 90% SPS, so I will be investing in a Calcium reactor very soon. HTH
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6933260#post6933260 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by otterpop510
thanks gadgets, have you tried the b-ionic or 2 fishes, or is that just what you started with?

No I have not tried b-ionic or 2-fishes bracnds. I have only used the kent marine brand, but I have heard that the b-ionic brand is very good. HTH
 
i use b-ionic and im not sure if i started with low calcium, but i always end up with low calcium... the alkalinity part is working fine, but my damn calicium is always low. i dont think its the addatives, i think its more to do with the way i use it.......
 
cool, thanks guys, sounds like sticking with tried and true b-ionic, but i'm going to look into randy's recipe.. cuz yes, reefing does get pricey both at first and after a while..
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6933630#post6933630 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by chrismunn
i use b-ionic and im not sure if i started with low calcium, but i always end up with low calcium... the alkalinity part is working fine, but my damn calicium is always low. i dont think its the addatives, i think its more to do with the way i use it.......

check your magnesium levels. thats about the most common reason for low Ca
 
chris,

I fought low calcium for a quite a while before I read that magnesium played a role. Unfortunately, my heavy use of two part additives trying to keep calcium levels up started a chain reaction that led to a tank crash. I used Kent Tech CB. I think it's as good a product as any but now that I have a calcium reactor I think everyone should buy one the same day they buy their tank. I think mag should be at least 1250. Don't raise your magnesium all at once either. I've noticed that it affects my Xenia when I add a large dose.
 
Chrismunn,

mag should be 1300 according to what most people run. I think we found the reason behind your low calcium.
 
hmm.. does regular doses of b-ionic with weekly/biweekly saltwater changes normally keep the magnesium levels at good, or do people have to dose on top? i'm trying to keep as simple as possible while keeping good levels..
 
Doing water changes that regularly might keep you safe but you should still test your Mg levels. You probably only have to test every couple of weeks for a few months to get an idea of how stable your Mg levels are. Now I only test every couple of months. For some reason my Mg levels are more stable now that I have the Ca reactor too.
 
Back
Top