Calcium for my reef tank

[solitude127]

Can anyone suggest a good powder or liquid calcium supplement for my 90 gallon reef tank? Right now I'm using Tropic Marin calcium and I wanted to see if anyone out there can suggest something different. Any and all input is appreciated. Thanks

 

[lewismw]

Kent Marine Turbo Calcium is a solid choice for additive. I have used it for years and have seen great results. it will bloom bright purple/pink coralline algae to grow on you rocks.

 

[trae]

Kalkwasser is very good for reef tanks. i use a 1gallon jug every two days and it works wonders.

 

[elegance coral]

Nothing ever has and nothing ever will beat Kalk. The other stuff aint worth the trouble. The additives have ingrediants that can build up in the system. Kalk dosn't. If you go to kalk the growth rate of your corals will freak you out.

 

[drummereef]

I would suggest getting on a balanced alkalinity/calcium additive. Kalk or a 2-part suppliment will do this. Manually adjusting your alkalinity and calcium is tedious, requires constant monitoring, and can result in overdose. I would suggest using Turbo Calcium or another calcium chloride equivalent to adjust your Ca to the desired level then maintain with either 2-part or kalk. Please read the following.

What to dose:
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2007-04/rhf/index.php

How to Select a Calcium and Alkalinity Supplementation Scheme
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/feb2003/chem.htm

Use this calculator when dosing any alkalintiy, calcium, or magnesium suppliment.
Reef chemicals calculator
http://home.comcast.net/~jdieck1/chem_calc3.html

Target:
7-11dkh / 2.5-4 meq/L alkalinity
380-450 ppm calcium
1250-1350 ppm magnesium

 

[slant77]

So if you do kalk you dont need to do part a & b?

 

[green_frogspawn]

yup thats correct, except make sure you do it slowly...