A Question of Calcium

One Eyed Bunny

New member
We've been dosing our 12gal. nano cube for the past week and a half. We've effectively raised our Ca level to 300 last time we tested. Roughly 4 - 5 days ago. Today, however, we tested again, before the water change, and our Ca was only 220.

We dose each day, religiously using exactly as much as it says we need to for a tank that size. Is there any reason we're having difficulty raising our Ca level, or why it would change much?

Our substrate is a crushed coral, not an arganite sand bed.

We've got one small hammer coral, two tiny zoo's and one xenia. They've all showed progressive growth, but I find it odd that they'll continue to grow even when our Ca level is so low.

Also, I realize they're using some of the Ca in the water, but still, why would there be such a significant drop if we dose daily at roughly the exact time per day?
 
I am not familiar with those products. i have never used them that is not to say that they are bad at all. If they are a two part additive they are used to (Maintain propers levels) Meaning your levels need to be correct before using a two part. Might want to check the Mag levels as well.
 
Dose with CaCl2 to raise your Ca level. Make sure your alkalinity is in the correct range, and that your Mg is around 3X your Ca level.
 
We use Seachem Reef buffer, B-ionic and purple up for calcium dosing.

I know most people strongly recommend B-ionic

What Ca test kit are you using?
 
Hmm..just wondering.what salt are you using? I have a decent size list of corals and a couple of SPS corals and haven't had to dose anything except an ALK buffer and my calcium is at 450 atm.
 
go down the your LFS and get them to test your magnesium levels. and your alkilanity levels if needed. mag should be around 1250ppm and your alk should be 7-11dKH. Kent marine 2 part is a decent product, and will do fine keeping your levels at the correct point. if you alk and mag levels are good just add some of the calcium part, or you can get some Kent Marine Turbo Calcium, to boost your calc level.

PS Tubro Calcium is pretty much Prestone Driveway Heat (Calcium Chloride). i use it to make the calcium part for Randys 2 Part. works great, and its cheap. i paid $9 for 8lbs. the LFS wants $14 for a medium size jar of Turbo Calcium. just my 2Ã"šÃ‚¢
 
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