Calcium.

[Davidd2324]

I want to keep SPS, but don't want to spend to much money.

I have a 75g tank with a 20g refuge.

I know, I can use a Calcium reactor but I dont know anything about them. Like what to buy, the co2 thing ? How to use it or anything.

I also heard something about kalk ? Don't know anything about this either.

Is there someway I can use something to keep my calcium at the 400-450 range without constantly adding chemicals.

Someone please help me out please !

 

[crvz]

kalk is decent at maintaining, but if you really have (or will have) large calcium/alkalinity demands (make no mistake, alkalinity is as important if not even more so than calcium), I'd highly recommend a calcium reactor. Especially if you don't want to dose chemicals all the time.

a quick run down of a calcium reactor; it's a chamber where you stick calcium carbonate media, you flow tank water through it, and you inject CO2 into the chamber to drive the pH down. The lower pH in the chamber will dissolve the calcium carbonate, thereby dosing it to your tank through the water flow through. I'd highly recommend a pH controller for the setup, too, as you have to be somewhat careful with the pH in the chamber (if it gets too low, the media will turn to mush).

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

There are many ways to maintain calcium and alkalinity. These should help you decide which is best for you:

The “How To” Guide to Reef Aquarium Chemistry for Beginners, Part 2: What Chemicals Must be Supplemented
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2007-04/rhf/index.php

An Improved Do-it-Yourself Two-Part Calcium and Alkalinity Supplement System
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-02/rhf/index.php

What Your Grandmother Never Told You About Lime
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2005-01/rhf/index.htm

 

[Altpers0na]

didnt i just read one of the two part threads that said its not an option anymore?


also, risking a thread hijacking..

i just bought a pound of lime for 2 bucks... now what?

i have read the other threads but i got lost...

is there a simple recipe? please?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Using Dowflake from Home Depot is not a good option any longer, but you can buy old batches from online suppliers like Bulk Reef Supply, or you can buy other brands that may be suitable (such as from tetra chemicals).

To make limewater you dissolve 1-2 level teaspoons per gallon of top off water, and use that to replace evaporated water. It must be dosed very slowly by dripping or slow pump. The last article above has all of the details.

 

[Altpers0na]

so, not using an ato system, basically rules use of limewater out..

that is to say, my top off is fast..

or at least cut the 1-2 teaspoons down to sprinkle like salt?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Many folks use inexpensive and even DIY drippers. I give a link in the article to a second one on DIY drippers, and Kent sells several.