Calcium and trace replacement

[Snprhed]

Some of the guys from the Myrtle Beach reef club are talking about this. It seems interesting and very easy

http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merc...ROD&Product_Code=SL-KILO&Category_Code=Sealab

Cory

 

[Travis L. Stevens]

Abstract
Sea-Lab Formula 28 is a mixture of naturally occurring buffer compounds that maintains natural ocean concentrations of calcium, strontium, and all 15 essential trace elements

Here are my random opinions on it....

But doesn't water changes do this anyways? Don't most Calcium/Alkalinity supplementation methods also do this? It sounds nice, but it looks like to me that this would be an easy way to screw up tank chemistry if not properly done. Heck, it just might be a concentrated block of pickling lime.

Also, every tank is different on how quickly and at what levels it uses Carbonate and Calcium. This would just replace it back in equal levels, but someone's tank might use Calcium quicker than Carbonate. So, at $18.99 for one block and you still have to supplement what gets used up too quickly, what's the point? You can accomplish the same goal with Limewater. And you can get a huge container for $2.59 at WalMart where it is often readily available and not ordered online.

Plus, why does this dissolve? What is the bonding agent? It couldn't be condensed aragonite. It would need a lower pH in order for it to start to dissolve.

 

[Snprhed]

I don't disagree for the most part, except. Limewater is only calcium. Not carbonate or trace elements etc. I think its application would be in a stocked reef. You might still have to supplement calcium, but trace and others should be better supported.

*I don't use this stuff and am not really considering it. Mere fodder for discussion.

Cory

 

[Travis L. Stevens]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7014552#post7014552 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Snprhed
I don't disagree for the most part, except. Limewater is only calcium. Not carbonate or trace elements etc. I think its application would be in a stocked reef. You might still have to supplement calcium, but trace and others should be better supported.

*I don't use this stuff and am not really considering it. Mere fodder for discussion.

Cory

Exactly. This seems like it will turn into a fun discussion

Limeater though is actually Calcium Hydroxide. It replaces Carbonate and Calcium in equal proportions, albeit concentrated. But, since stuff like Mrs Wage's Pickling lime is not pure, it often also replaces trace elements. Since most trace elements aren't taken up quickly, then this should be almost enough. A water change from time to time to reduce dissolved organic nutrients, and your fine.

I might be able to see using this if you were to go on vacation and have no possible way to have a remotely educated tank sitter and/or a demanding reef.

Do you know how long these last? Do you know if they dissolve faster in lower pH? I didn't see any information.

 

[Snprhed]

From my understanding they are dissolved by flow alone. It doesn't say anything about PH affecting the rate at which it dissolves.

There is not a lot of information on it that I can find.

 

[Travis L. Stevens]

Hmm. That might not be something I would want to add in my tank since I have ~40x turnover rate :lmao: Thank you for the link though. Very interesting new product.

 

[Snprhed]

It does say that it adds only when necessary. That it is impossible to overdose.


I kind of feel that the more advanced aquarist would not go with the option. I guess its a control issue. I want to control exactly what and how its introduced. Whether it is an additive or calcium reactor.

 

[scott0615]

Had a customer use it during a 3 week business trip. Came home to find [if memory serves me correctly] CA at about 500 and a low ALK. He had no major issues. I guess in his situation it was better than relying on someone else to OD the tank.

 

[Travis L. Stevens]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7015172#post7015172 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by scott0615
Had a customer use it during a 3 week business trip. Came home to find [if memory serves me correctly] CA at about 500 and a low ALK. He had no major issues. I guess in his situation it was better than relying on someone else to OD the tank.

Just curious, but did he have an auto topoff system?

 

[scott0615]

I think it was a relative....not sure.

 

[phetish]

SeaLab 28 is pretty popular out here in LA. i'd never seen it in tulsa, but it's all over the place here.

once my tank recovers, and if i decide to go SPS, i'll try it out and report back.

derek