help with dosing Calcium

[Joshjohnson]

i have been considering geting a clam for my tank and read that they suck up alot of calcium so i started to read about how to dose a tank to resupply this elment. My problem is i don't have a sump of fuge or for that matter a place to hang a drip line. can anyone give me some help on how to overcome this issue? is there a nother product out that i coul use or am i SOL?

Thanks Josh

 

[bertoni]

The clam will consume both alkalinity and calcium. I drip limewater into my display tank to supply them. I use a pump to move the lime, as part of an autotopoff system. That might work for you. This article might help with lime questions:

http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2005-01/rhf/index.php

This article discusses other methods of supplementation:

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/feb2003/chem.htm

 

[Joshjohnson]

the problem is i have no more room for more pumps tanks or bottles or whatever is used for a drip. I and my top off water by hand which is about 2 cups per day, its only a 47 gal tank. also i will mention that i like to try and keep appearnce neat and clean looking. So i am looking for a solution that does not have a junk bulky look to it.

 

[Mike O'Brien]

Back when I didn't have a sump I just attached the drip line to the center brace. I had the limewater reservoir in a nearby closet and used an aqualifter pump to move the liquid to the tank. I still use the same pump for topoff now, it's a long lasting reliable pump especially for the low price.

 

[Mike O'Brien]

you might also want to add a fan to increase evaporation.

 

[Joshjohnson]

why would i want to increase evaporation

 

[Mike O'Brien]

because if you're only adding 2 cup's a day to top off the tank, dripping limewater will be useless for maintaining calcium and alkalinity.

You might want to look into Randy's DIY 2 part addative.

 

[Joshjohnson]

is this something you just pour in the tank or do you have to drip it in? sorry for so many question but i am trying to learn so i don't kill any critters

 

[Billybeau1]

JJ, if no more room, consider the following.

Figure out how much calcium and alkalinity your tank consumes in a week.

Get yourself a 2-part additive (there are many available) and dose it every few days with your top off.

Doesnt get any easier than that.

Keep in mind you may have to get your levels up to balance before you start this.

This is done with calcium chloride for calcium and baking soda for alkalinity.

 

[Joshjohnson]

Thats sounds good but how do you what calcium and alk is required for a tank and how do you figure out whats required when adding new critters that require these amounts

 

[Mike O'Brien]

I think the easiest way is to just start with a small dose and monitor the level's weekly. Adjust the dosage accordingly. I monitor alkalinity mainly for figuring the dose of both part's.

I add the alkalinity part in the morning and the calcium in the afternoon. You can just add the full dose at the same time, just pour slowly into a high flow area. Away from pump's though.

 

[Billybeau1]

The first article is where you want to keep your water parameters at.

http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-05/rhf/index.htm

Next is the calculator with various brands of suppliments to help you get and keep you there.

http://home.comcast.net/~jdieck1/chem_calc3.html

Print these out for reference and study them. Come back with any more questions.

 

[Joshjohnson]

thanks alot for the links, any sugestions or which product would be the best and not foul my tank up. Also what concerns should i have going this route and want should i look for as far trouble brewing if i decide to this

 

[Billybeau1]

Just start slow and follow the directions. You'll be fine.

As far as 2-parts, most of the commercialy available products are good. I here ESV B-Ionic brought up a lot, Warner Marine and Randy's homemade 2-part but you may not be ready for that just yet.

And make sure you have good test kits.