How can I lower Calcium?

MelloW33

MelloW33

Member
The calcium in my tank is reading over 600 and has not shown any downward trend over the last few months. I have tested it with the Hanna Calcium checker and the Red Sea Pro test and it was confirmed by my LFS. I am using Reef Crystals salt for my water changes, approximately 20% every 2 weeks.

Any ideas on how to get it down? I am only dosing Alk and Mag, the tank is using about 35ml of Alk per day.

dkh=9
mg=1300
sg=1.025
no3<4
po4=undetectable
ph=7.8
 
Have you tested the salt mix/freshly mixed saltwater?

What specific dosing chemicals are you adding? (brand)
 
mcgyvr said:
Have you tested the salt mix/freshly mixed saltwater?

What specific dosing chemicals are you adding? (brand)
Click to expand...



I haven't tested that but can next time I mix some. I'm using the BRS 2-part but have only added Alk and mag. Thanks for the response!


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I suggest spreading out your WC if possible. You're dosing Alk & Mag. So over time the Cal should begin to fall, correct?

Just monitor the nuisance nutrient levels. If they start to rise, do a WC (test the Cal of the mix as mentioned previously).
 
RobZilla04 said:
I suggest spreading out your WC if possible. You're dosing Alk & Mag. So over time the Cal should begin to fall, correct?

Just monitor the nuisance nutrient levels. If they start to rise, do a WC (test the Cal of the mix as mentioned previously).
Click to expand...

I definitely wouldn't object to doing fewer WC's! Assuming the new water tests at a lower Ca, it should help lower my Ca in the tank by doing them. I've seen some people suggest doing WC's with a salt that has a lower Ca when mixed, I could try that I guess.
 
You should be able to stretch your water changes to 4 weeks if your take is well established and not over populated. Shouldn't have to change salt brands if you happy with it otherwise. As Rob said, just keep an eye on your nutrient levels.

Aslo, you could consider adding more calcium absobing creatures...
 
The only practical way to lower the calcium level is water changes with a salt at a normal calcium level. I agree with checking some freshly-mixed saltwater. People have had a fair number of issues with bad batches of salt or salt that has settled badly during shipment.
 
bertoni said:
The only practical way to lower the calcium level is water changes with a salt at a normal calcium level. I agree with checking some freshly-mixed saltwater. People have had a fair number of issues with bad batches of salt or salt that has settled badly during shipment.
Click to expand...



Thank you sir, I'll give it a try. Will Ca at 640 adversely impact anything?


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Keep it simple. Just test your next new batch of salt water when you mix for a scheduled WC. Compare that result to the tank Cal level. If you keep Alk stable, over time it will come down if the NSW Cal value is less than the tank value.
 
If you're dosing Mg and your level is only 1300, could you have perhaps accidentally mislabeled your Mg mix and your Ca mix?

Get a gallon of RO and dump in ~20ml of your Mg mixture and test for Calcium.
 
DarkSkyForever said:
If you're dosing Mg and your level is only 1300, could you have perhaps accidentally mislabeled your Mg mix and your Ca mix?

Get a gallon of RO and dump in ~20ml of your Mg mixture and test for Calcium.
Click to expand...



No, no chance of that. My Mag increases appropriately when I dose it.


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