I am new and I don't have any coral yet but i am trying to get my parameters ready for some easy coral. I just changed from IO to IO reef crystals and tested calcium and it's at 360. I only did a 20% water change on a 75 gallon tank. I was wondering if calcium will keep going up with every water change until it's at a good amount? And I know 360 is low but is it really low? Thanks in advance!
Newbie calcium question
- Thread starter Jrid1997
- Start date
Ron Reefman
Active member
Test the new water you make with the IO Reef Crystals, I think it's up around 450? And yes, if there isn't anything currently using the Ca, then it should go up with each water change. Also remember that only lps and sps really use a lot of Ca, zoas and softies don't use much.
A Ca level of 360 is definitely on the low side, but it's nat anything dangerous. A lower CA, lower than 300, will stop the making of new skeleton, but it isn't deadly. The same is true of Magnesium (Mg). However, an alk level of below 5 or 6 dKH is the point where some stony corals will start to actually die. Alk is a much more critical parameter to keep stable between 7 and 10. The more stable the better. Ca and Mg can float up and down some without much harm to the tank, IMHO.
A Ca level of 360 is definitely on the low side, but it's nat anything dangerous. A lower CA, lower than 300, will stop the making of new skeleton, but it isn't deadly. The same is true of Magnesium (Mg). However, an alk level of below 5 or 6 dKH is the point where some stony corals will start to actually die. Alk is a much more critical parameter to keep stable between 7 and 10. The more stable the better. Ca and Mg can float up and down some without much harm to the tank, IMHO.
RobZilla04
Active member
Whatever salt you decide to go with, once you stock the tank I wouldn't change salt anymore. Use this to help decide on a brand http://www.thatpetplace.com/salt-mix-guide
Ron Reefman
Active member
What's the issue with changing the salt you use?
I've tried IO, then several different slightly more expensive salts, then so really expensive salts and finally IO Reef Crystals. All in all I found very little difference in how the tank reacted. But I did have to adjust my dosing to deal with different levels of Ca, alk and Mg in the new salt. But changing brands never caused any issues.
+1 I've used a lot of different brands over the years and keep coming back to IO. Regarding the OP, calcium, alklinity and magnesium levels will fluctuate and just because you don't have any stony corals doesn't mean you don't have animals and algae needing them. You should be monitoring them periodicly and be ready to add any or all as needed.
RobZilla04
Active member
I've read in a couple of places that changing salt brands can have an irritating effect on coral. I have no first hand experience, although I can see both sides of the coin on this issue.
