Ca keeps dropping...

[Rognin]

So, first 2 months, tank cycles. Afterwhich I added 2 clowns, 2 cardinals, 1 YWG, 2 baby chromis, 1 scooter blenny. Corals were 2 types of shrooms, 2 types of zoas. I left for a month and came back not thinking the tank would need that much but a little food.

Params (redsea testkits):
Alk: 10.2
Mg: 1320
Ca: 340 (before morning dose)
Temp: 77.8
Ph: 8.0
NO3: undetectable
PO4: undetectable


So I'm adding about 25ml of Ca a day since I added a single torche coral. I find it's a lot of Ca to add to a tank a day. I get it back to about 400 with the 25ml dose (would like 420). Anyhow, I find no signs of precipitate anywhere (black sand). Could I have another problem?

Thanks,

-Rog

 

[Rognin]

So from the time I posted this to now, my CA with 25ml of Fluval liquid Ca is up to 360.

That means I need 50ml today. That's a whole lot more than I use to put in my 55gal. Can anyone attest to having so much Ca added with hardly any corals?

I also don't see any coraline yet...

 

[cherubfish pair]

Try doing some water changes then test.

 

[Im14abeer]

I'd get verification of that mag reading with a different test. Also, what product are you using for Ca?

 

[atrox]

Get a salt with higher levels of ca so at least you're starting at the desired levels. With the amount of livestock in your tank you shouldn't be dosing calcium anyway. Look into reef crystals and simple water changes will keep you're levels in check. Mine mixes at 460 ca, 8.0 dkh, and 1440 mag.

 

[CoralsAddiction]

Softies don't need that much calcium compared to stony corals. You should be fine with 360-380 range.

 

[Rognin]

Thanks for the answers!

So I did a 20% wc and the levels now hover @

380 Ca
1360 Mg
9.8 Dkh
8.1 pH

I am getting two more LPS tomorrow. So a total of three soon.

I also noticed Coraline starting to grow, so that may be the cause of my ca depletion so quick.

I use Fluval brand liquid Ca, Mg and Alk. My salt brand is IO.

 

[cherubfish pair]

What kits are you using? I would reread the instructions to the kits to make sure you're doing them right.

 

[Dan_P]

This much calcium consumption in a new set up is probably not biology but chemistry. Test your sand to see if it is still free flowing. If you have a sump, check for chalk or precipitate.