Tell me how my parameters are

[fish 511]

Well, I got some good test kits, finally, and tested my water. here is what I got. LMK what you think.
Ammonia-0
Nitrite-0
Nitrate-0
Calcium-340 ppm
Alkalinity- 9 dKh
Phosphate-0

Aside from calcium, these are pretty good, right? How bad is my calcium?? Shouldn't it be between 400-500ppm? Would getting some of that Kent liquid calcium take care of that? LMK, thanks

 

[Paintbug]

calc is low everything else looks good. heres what i target.
http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-05/rhf/index.php

 

[fish 511]

Ok, that sounds good. So my calcium isnt too bad, is it? would the kent liquid calcium be sufficient to bring that up??

 

[Paintbug]

340ppm is not going to cause major problems, but your corals wont grow as fast as they should, and some of the softies may be to soft.

Kents Liquid Calcium should work. check this calculator out to find out how much to use. http://home.comcast.net/~jdieck1/chemcalc.html just dont try to raise more than 20-30ppm per day. personally i use a homemade 2 part calcium and alkalinity buffer. for calcium i use prestone driveway heat . theres several quality 2 parts you can buy. i have used ESV B-ionic. works good just a little expensive after a while.

also you happen to use instant ocean salt? if so its known to have low magnesium levels. mag plays a big part in your calcium balance. if your mag levels are low, then you wont be able to get the calc levels up to much. you may want to take a sample to the LFS and have the magnesium checked. no point in spending $20+ on a kit to use once .

 

[jer77]

Getting a 2-part additive such as ESV B-Ionic will work and can be useful for the future if you need to raise calcium, alkalintiy, or both at the same time. But yes Kent's liquid calcium is one of the best ways to raise calcium in your tank. You can raise the calcium all at once with this, but I'd recommend to raise it by 50ppm a day.

 

[drummereef]

Please use this calculator when dosing these chemicals into the tank. Use Kent's turbo calcium or liquid calcium to raise the Ca before maintaining with a 2-part suppliment. I use Randy's 2-part and it works great.

Please read:
Reef chemicals calculator
http://home.comcast.net/~jdieck1/chem_calc3.html

How to Select a Calcium and Alkalinity Supplementation Scheme
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/feb2003/chem.htm

 

[fish 511]

Ok, that sounds good. I went to the LFS today and got some liquid calcium. I will have to use that calculator to figure out how much. Thanks guys

 

[Paintbug]

post again if the calcium doesnt go up!

 

[fish 511]

Ok, one question on adding it...Do I just measure out the amount and dump it in the tank, or measure it out and dilute it with some saltwater? I do not have to worry about corals or anything, just a clownfish and LR...THANKS

 

[kau_cinta_ku]

if you have a sump or something add it there otherwise just infront of a powerhead will be fine.

 

[drummereef]

Yeah, just add it slowly in a high flow area. No problems.

 

[fish 511]

Well, I diluted it in a red cup and poured it near my two powerheads.

I am elated...I just tested my water and got 420ppm for calcium. PERFECT!!

BTW I just got a new coralife power compact fixture! its 260w...I am going to start a thread on it and try to post pictures, so check it out!!Thanks guys for the help. Appreciate it.

 

[fish 511]

Also, what do I do to keep my calcium up like this? Do I add it to the water for waterchanges??