boost my calcium (just a little)

[Heidi]

I have maintained my calcium level right about 400ppm since I started the tank in November. I was wondering what people use to raise it maybe 50ppms or so. I read most places that 400-500 is good I know I am not low but I would like to boost it to see some coral growth. Any opinions are welcomed Thanks!!

other tank tests (done today 1.14.2011) 50g mixed reef (no fish yet)
PO: 0
NO3: 0
KH 125.3 or 7
CA2 400
Ammonia: >.5
NO2: 0
ph: 7.8ish

[jolson10450]

Originally Posted by Heidi

I have maintained my calcium level right about 400ppm since I started the tank in November. I was wondering what people use to raise it maybe 50ppms or so. I read most places that 400-500 is good I know I am not low but I would like to boost it to see some coral growth. Any opinions are welcomed Thanks!!

other tank tests (done today 1.14.2011) 50g mixed reef (no fish yet)
PO: 0
NO3: 0
KH 125.3 or 7
CA2 400
Ammonia: >.5
NO2: 0
ph: 7.8ish

when was your last water change and how often do you change, usually if you tested your water right before your water change then most of the calcium is used up, so if you read 400 at that point, then do a water change you could be reading 500 right after a water change so we need a few details to help, you can buy a calcium buffer made by seachem or kent i cant remember which for pretty cheap, like 9$

[Heidi]

last h2o change was a week ago today. I have been taking out about 5 gallons and adding 5 fresh rodi water once a week (give a day or 2). I was using reef crystals (and then my ca seemed to hover around 420ish) Now last time LFS didn't have it so I just bought instant ocean, which I have used the last 3 changes. I wonder if that salt mix has anything to do with it . . . So it is a 50 gallon tank . . . should I be changing out more then 5g a week??

[jolson10450]

Originally Posted by Heidi

last h2o change was a week ago today. I have been taking out about 5 gallons and adding 5 fresh rodi water once a week (give a day or 2). I was using reef crystals (and then my ca seemed to hover around 420ish) Now last time LFS didn't have it so I just bought instant ocean, which I have used the last 3 changes. I wonder if that salt mix has anything to do with it . . . So it is a 50 gallon tank . . . should I be changing out more then 5g a week??

that explains it, instant ocean is made for fish only tanks so it doesn't have the added calcium and other trace elements that reefs need that is why they sell it cheaper. go get some reef crystals back or try brightwell salt, it is more expensive but i love it! that is what i use.

[whitetiger61]

instant ocean has a lower ca2 content than reef crystals..mg is a little lower also..as far as raising it..i use brightwells ca2..1/2 teaspoon raises ca2 90ppm..i would do what jolson said..need to measure ca before and after a w/c to see how much you are using up between w/c's..hope that helps

Rick

[cg5071]

Did you say you are taking out 5g and adding only fresh back?
At one point my cal got to high from supplementing so I switched to the purple bag also. I WOULDNT recomend anyone do that now. It has wacked out my chemisty and the sps are telling me about it!

I have been using kent and brightwell products. Both seem very good. Kent has either a 2 part or just calcium in a bottle too. I also bought their super buffer. It looks like you may be able to use that too. It should raise your alk and your ph for you. Ammonia is really bad for your system, it shouldnt be showing since it is converted to nitrite then nitrate. The process should be faster so ammonia never shows. I would recomend one of 2 bacteria products that I have good luck with.
Microbacter 7 from brightwell or
Nite-out (black and white bottle)

[MizTanks]

Personally I believe you should wait before going chemical. There are other things you can still do to raise your ca. Most important is patiences. Your tank hasn't had time to mature yet.
You've just started using a new salt, would def throw it off. Beginnings of coraline growth, coral growth could all contribute to low ca. 400 is not bad at all. Don't worry and don't panic! If it drops below 380 then panic your tank will settle down. You'll get your Reef Crystals back soon enough.
Hug your tank, tell her to get her chit together and go window shopping for new fish that she would simply love.

p.s. Up your wc to 10% weekly.

There is nothing like being a REEFER!

[Heidi]

I had a pretty good feeling it was the IO salt instead of reef crystals. I think I will wait to do my h20 change till my hubby gets home and I run and get some reef crystals first. I'm really feeling the no chem. as long as I can "way". I really like the 'little eco system that runs itself" approach Thanks you guys for all your help I will definitely try some of the recommended products if the salt change doesn't help.
-Heidi