CA, and Kalk reactor together?

[Sander1001]

Is there anything in particular I should pay attention to, or any recommendations with running both CA, and Kalk reactor?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Not really. Use the reactor primarily to maintain alkalinity (and calcium will follow along) and use the limewater to the extent needed to maintain the ph that you want (without worrying too much about the contribution to calcium and alkalinity since it would not normally be that great if you have enough demand to need a CaCO3/CO2 reactor and limewater).

 

[Sander1001]

Why cant I raise my calcium level above 340 or so with this set up? I think I have my CA reactor dripping too fast about 120 per min. not allowing enough contact time. All my parameters are good except the CA-330, Mg. 1500, DKH 11, PH 8.3, Sal. 1.025. I know plenty of kalk is getting dosed into the tank, and I can't possiable have that much CA demand. Is it possiable that I still need a CA add. even with my setup?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Either of those devices will boost calcium and alkalinity in direct proportion: 18-20 ppm calcium for each 1 meq/l (2.8 dKH) of alkalinity.

So if you trued to boost calcium by 80 ppm, alkalinity would rise by 4 meq/L (11 dKH). That cannot happen without triggering precipitation of calcium carbonate, and so such balanced additives cannot (and especially should not) be used to make substantial increases in calcium.

Use calcium chloride for that, as detailed here:'


Solving Calcium and Alkalinity Problems
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/nov2002/chem.htm

Water changes with a low calcium mix, like IO, will also tend to drive calcium down and need to be corrected for with calcium chloride.

 

[Sander1001]

OK, I read the article and I am a Zone 3 individual. So calcium chloride is my answer. Once I have reached the red zone will I need to ever add calcium chloride or will the CA reactor hold my CA level. As far as the Kalk reactor, or limewater what good is that then in referance to your post, just to maintain good PH? My take is that both reactors can offer CA but I will only need it from one, right?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Once there, the only thing that will drive you out is water changes with a low or high calcium salt mix (zones 3 and 4), or through over or underdosing with the reactor or any balanced calcium and alkalinity additive system (zones 1 and 2)

 

[Sander1001]

Thanks, I will have some fine tuning to do once things are in check to insure stability. Trick question but what salt should I use or do you recommend. I have Kent right now but have come to find out it isn't of the highest quality. I have heard good about Tropic Marine.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

I use Instant Ocean which I boost by 70 ppm calcium with Dowflake and 150 ppm magnesium with MAG flake. But there are many fine brands to choose from.

I discuss selecting salts here:

The “How To” Guide to Reef Aquarium Chemistry for Beginners, Part 1: The Salt Water Itself
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2007-03/rhf/index.php

and there is a nice discussion thread here:

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1287118

 

[Sander1001]

Thank you, you have been more than helpful. I don't want to overstay my welcome, but do you have a link or article about food for a mainly SPS tank?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

You're welcome.

I don't have such a link handy, but perhaps others do.