calcium question

[hambandit]

i need some sort of ca/mag supplement and i dont know what to get. id like to figure something out before the drs order goes through so i can get it in that...help meeeeeee

 

[hambandit]

also id like a combo or something so im not constantly messing with it adding multiple things. sooooo fire away

 

[triggerjay]

I used to use 2 part, and kalkwasser in my 125, but still had trouble maintaining calcium, and it was always out of balance with the alk. I installed a calcium reactor and it is much easier to maintain balanced levels. they are expensive, but worth the investment.

Jason

 

[hambandit]

i cant afford one, plain and simple. so whats the best additive, for the money?

 

[OzarksReef]

Visit Bulk Reef Supply and get one of their two-part kits. They come with calcium, alkalinity and magnesium addidtives. Depending on how heavily stocked you are, you should be able to keep your tank calcium levels up for less than $50 per year.

 

[triggerjay]

I agree with Ozarksreef. If you can't go with a reactor, 2 part is your next best option. Its a little more maintenance, but will do the job if you don't have a lot of calcium demanding corals. I used to use b-ionic 2 part, but bulk reef supply is cheaper for the same thing.

Jason

 

[piqui2006]

Or you can do what i did after searching and searching endless web site, and forums, i found at DIY calcium reactor with out the Co2 which is the part that more expensive, it is basically the same principle the only different is that you have to get a strong pump more thn 700gph , ok here is how my goes i just when to lowes go a 18 inches of 3inch pvc pipe, got a 3 inch cap and a 3inch screw in cap, put it together and on the top of the 3 inch cap drill ar 1/4 inch hole or bigger you decide, got me a 1/4 elbow and glue it to the hole, and on the bottom cao drill a 1/2 hole for you pump, put a spacer on the bottom with a filter and fill the pipe with cruss coral, screw in you cap and star you pump.

Ok basically when you pump pressure water with out Co2 the crush coral with time will star to dissolve that the calcium will flow out like i said i take some time but my tank has been running for 8 month i have never added any calcium acutally MY BIGGES problem is getting my calcium down right know is something around 490 to 500 i know that is high but my fish and coral are loving it, NO MY PUMP Thought, hope it helps

 

[Jah2707]

Has anyone else heard of what Juan is doing?

 

[mako417]

Adding carbon dioxide lowers the pH of the water, making it acidic, and dissolving the calcium carbonate to provide the aquarium with calcium and alkalinity.

 

[aquaconnect]

no i have not. that sounds more like some type of filter where bad things could build up eventually. co2 is what makes it dissolve. otherwise, the ph in the reactor will remain the same and not dissolve, but with a super high amount of pressure it may break up the media which will end up in the system, but i don't think that it would be benefical because a chemical reaction isn't taking place.