Calcium depletion

[MGB]

I have set up a 50gal BB, with approx 70lbs of live rock, its been running for about 10 weeks. Over the last three weeks I've introduced four small fish and three corals, (2 soft, 1 stony) everything seams to be looking good. I don't plan on adding any more fish but definately a few more corals, probably soft.

If I subtract the rock volume, I'm left with approximately 40 gals of saltwater, my question is about maintaining calcium levels which would be beneficial to the corals, etc. Rather than adding calcium, couldn't I just maintain reasonable levels (300-350) with bi-weekly 10%-15% water changes. With such a small tank volume and limited up take from the corals, am I wrong in assuming water changes would be adequate, or should I look at adding Kalkwasser or other calcium suppliment.

While I'm on the subject of additives. Does anybody recommend any other trace elements, or as above, will the water changes take care of the majority of them.
Help appriciated, MGB

 

[eckrynock]

Mmm.... I don't "recommend" any trace element additions. Test for everything, dose accordingly. I don't dose ioddine or anything and my devil's hand has tripled in 3 months. I would try and raise the calcium a little. 350 is probably ok if you stick with softies. Weekly 10% water change should do you just fine.

 

[Paintbug]

once you get a high demand for calcium from your tank, you will probablly have to add some type of calcium suppliment. i dont add anything to my tank but Randy's 2 Part calcium buffer (which i made myself). i dont have a lot of stony corals in my tank, water changes alone wont keep up with the demand.

 

[Monkeyfish]

Whether or not water changes will adequately replace trace elements and calcium depend on the rate that they are being depleted and the amount in the new water. If your corals are growing and using calcium chances are you'll need to add calc to the tank in some form (kalkwasser, B-ionic, etc.)