Low Calcium

[EricBrian]

I just tested water and the calclium value is at 360 ppm, which is too low according to this site:
http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-05/rhf/index.php

So, if I wanted to raise it to 315 (middle of the range), how fast should I do that. I am assuming, of course, that it would not be good to add Kent's Calcium all at one time to bring it up that high.

Thanks!

 

[bertoni]

You mean 415?

You should be able to dose that all in one shot with a product like Turbo-Calcium. Which Kent calcium product are you using?

 

[EricBrian]

In an unrelated posting, I found the "Reef Chemisty Calculator" at http://home.comcast.net/~jdieck1/chem_calc3.html

It says that I could add all if I wanted to but better if I added about 1/2 of the amount needed and then test again in a day.

 

[EricBrian]

Yes, meant 415.

I am using the Liquid Calcium product. I tested Magnesium and it is 1080 ppm. This is also too low. I don't have anything to raise this, though. Need to stop by LFS and get something.

 

[OracleOCA]

Eric,

Please try Randy's Recipe for Alkalinity, Calcium, and Magnesium. You will save so much money this way. I use all three parts and it is great. I just dose a certain amount depending on my tank conditions daily.

Here is his article located in the Reef Chemistry forum:

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-02/rhf/index.php

 

[EricBrian]

I'll read it and see what it requires!

Thanks for the link.

 

[REEFKEEPA]

Find a pharmacist and ask him /her to order you a jar of anhydrous calcium chloride. It is what Turbo is made of and dissolves a lot faster. Read the safety warnings on the label before mixing!

 

[Paintbug]

i too use Randys recipe. i used Prestone Driveway Heat for the calcium part. heres the latest recipe http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-02/rhf/index.php

 

[mg426]

Dowflake here, works great, And Cheap.

 

[REEFKEEPA]

Man that seems like a PITA.
You can mix a spoonfull of anhydrous into a gallon of RO DI and just dump it in a little at a time. Mix a spoonfull of baking soda into a gallon and dump it in. until you get the right balance.Use it as a top off.

 

[Paintbug]

its more like you mix 2 cups of Heat into 1 gallon of RO water. same for the baking soda. once you have it mixed, you just add what you need to the tank. its simple once you start. its just like dosing any other 2 part. just remember to check your levels!

 

[unclemuskie]

does anyone know if peladow has a shelf life ???????????????

 

[bertoni]

It will outlast you. If it gets wet, it might harden into a brick, but should still be fine once dissolved.