So I have another question. I like the idea of a stable tank without having to dose it or do anything. All my numbers are fantastic. 8.5dkh ph 8.1 but calcium is 360-380ish. Is this normal for a tank. What is the normal resting number for a tank without having to dose for calcium. Everything in the tank is perfect but I think the calcium is supposed to be in the low 400s right for corals. Thanks again for all the help.
Calcium in tank
- Thread starter Vbwjjeep
- Start date
Jon0807
New member
What salt are you using. I'm currently using IO reef crystals but previously used just the regular IO and both consistently tested 420 calcium. I even have 3 LPS and 2 SPS corals. They're still small so they don't suck up much calcium but regular water changes have always kept everything at stable parameters. Except for nitrates but that's a different story lol
I used instant ocean to mix it and occasionally buy the stuff at the store but they use the same stuff. Seems pretty good.
mcgyvr
New member
Salt mixes are all different in the parameters they mix up to be..
recommended range is 380-450..
We would all love to not have to do anything.. but I'd also love to win the lottery and fly like a bird..
If you get into corals you WILL need to dose at some point.. Unless you have a very small tank and water change alone are all you need..
recommended range is 380-450..
We would all love to not have to do anything.. but I'd also love to win the lottery and fly like a bird..
If you get into corals you WILL need to dose at some point.. Unless you have a very small tank and water change alone are all you need..
Thanks for all your speedy responses. I figured I would have to but when I look up low calcium it's always in the 200 range. Not just slightly low. I guess I'm about average and it's normal to have to dose. I didn't use the IO reef crystals I used the regular ones. So that explains the little bit lower calcium. Thank you everyone
mcgyvr
New member
IO should mix to 400 on its own.. I thought they still have a new tank..
Water changes alone may be sufficient and no dosing needed at this point..
Yes it's still a new tank. Just tightening up all the loose ends on it getting everything in the right places. I still need a better calcium test kit. Using the API one so it could be at 400 and it's reading 360-380. The water hasn't been changed during the cycle. In about a week it will get a 25 percent.
DivingTheWorld
Active member
Salt mixes are not always consistent which is why it's important for you to test your WC water before you preform the change. It also depends on what salinity you're mixing to. I use IO and mix to 1.0264. I generally find Calcium at 410 (before I dose it up to 450), but did once find it at 380.
nereefpat
New member
You are right that it seems a little unusual, but I would trust my test kits and make operating decisions accordingly, although it's probably worth getting the LFS to test the Ca to compare.
I just checked it again and it's definitely 380. I used the purple tub of instant ocean not the reef crystals. So that's probably the reason for the slightly lower calcium. Thanks for everyone's help though
Jon0807
New member
I would wait till you actually add corals and see how they react before you actually dose anything. Saltwater mix alone should be fine for more starting applications unless your numbers are way off. Then there may be other problems. But if you don't even have livestock in there yet, I wouldn't worry about it
