Calcium Questions.

[The Shrimp X]

Ok before i go get a squamosa clam i need to know some more about calcium. What test kit is best? I dont have a Calcium Reactor. Its a 29 gallon tank. I have only a few Soft Corals right now and i have 130 watts of PC lighting. Now the calcium i add in right now is Kent Marine Liquid Calcium. I also add Kent Marine Iodine and Kent Marine Stontium/Molybdenum. My schedule is as follows. Once a week i add half a cap full of Iodine, Once every 5 days i add half a cap full of Calcium, and once every 5 days i add half a cap full of Stontium/Molybdenum. I know that i am in need of help with all the chemicals and stuff as i am only 14 and have had this reef tank for a year with no problems. But What else should i do? I test using Mardel 5 in 1 test strips, for PH, Nitrate, and Nitrite. Lol i know i am a dip wit for this. lol. I dont have a calcium test kit yet but need help deciding if the SeaTesT Calcium Reef Kit test kit is good? But what else do i need? Do i need to add more of something? i Know i will deffinately need a lot more Calcium for the Squamosa clam, but What else. Please help. i need all the guidence that i can get from you "Masters of the Clams"lol.


Thanks for any help
David Wilkelis

 

[Peabody]

Yes, calcium is good, but your system is likely too unbalanced at this point for a clam due to not supplimenting alkalinity. Stontium/Molybdenum and Iodine are also unneccessary to dose unless you have specificly tested for a lack of it. They can be dangerous to our critters.

Get Salifert test kits for CA/ALK/PH, etc. They are way better than Seatest, Redsea, etc. Get your levels right and then try to keep them there for a few months before you get a clam. After getting the clam you will still have to test every few days because the demands will go WAY up.

 

[The Shrimp X]

do you know were i can get the Slifert Calcium,PH, and Alk test kits tyhe cheepest?

 

[Peabody]

Check the sponsors of this forum.

YOu will also need somethign to adjust your alkilinity, and also a CA/ALK suppimentation routiene (see Holmes'Farley's articles on deciding the best sCA?ALK system for your tank)

Get CA at 425-250 and ALK around 10-12 dkh and keep them there for a few months. Stop dosing Iodine and strotium, etc. Keep salinity and temp rock solid (you might want a refractometer as sensitive as clams are to incorrect salinity) After all this your system should be chemically good for a clam.

 

[The Shrimp X]

Is this a good Refractometer?


Portable Refractometer


Save $25.00!
This lightweight, affordable refractometer tests the concentration of saltwater and also provides a direct reading of specific gravity. It requires no batteries and automatically compensates for temperature. Each of these units has been carefully tested to ensure accuracy.
Temperature Correction: Automatic from 50-86Ã"šÃ‚° F (10-30Ã"šÃ‚° C)
Reading: Dual scale, 0-100 ppt and 1.000-1.070 specific gravity
Weight: 10 oz.


Warranty: 6-month manufacturer's warranty


HG-14035 Portable Refractometer Reg-$59.99 Special-$34.99



if you would like a pic i can email you one.

 

[The Shrimp X]

Oh P.S.

Its from Drs. Foster and Smith.