Need to raise Ca

[robharold]

I am having issues getting my CA to come up. I have used 2 part in the past. I seem to have no problem with the Alk levels (8-9dkh), and my Mg is around 1250.

Any suggestions on how to raise my CA, barely at 200 currently.

Thanks,

 

[turbo21]

Are you sure your alk test are right? calcium and alk go hand in hand, if your calcium is that low your alk should be lower. Matbe try retesting your alk with a different kit

bob

 

[turbo21]

Here is a very informative article outlining the realtionship between alk and calcium Chemistry And The Aquarium: Solving Calcium And Alkalinity Problems — Advanced Aquarist's Online Magazine

 

[patent]

You said you used 2 part in the past, are you using it now? What are you using to keep your alk up, your Mg up? Personally I have times where CA drops, I just add more 2 pat, essentially.

 

[beaslbob]

follow this:


An Improved Do-it-Yourself Two-Part Calcium and Alkalinity Supplement System by Randy Holmes-Farley - Reefkeeping.com

 

[robharold]

I have used several tests for alkalinity. strips, AP, Hagen. All read somewhere in the range. the latest I cannot remember at the moment. it is the only one that results were in dkh though of all I used.

thanks for tips

 

[Lytehouse]

I thought raising mag released calc into the system--- and have been told to keep mag aroun 1350 and that has always helped my calc

 

[drainbamage]

alk/calc/mag go hand in hand for coral usage- that doesn't mean they go hand-in-hand for input into system! I go through about 4-5 times as much alk buffer as I do calc, which I attribute to a few factors including the aragonite in the system breaking down and replenishing the calcium level. So yea, don't be afraid to dose based on what your system is using instead of manufacturers recommendation. However- don't presume your dosing needs either! Once your levels are stabilised where you want them, then continue testing for a few weeks to find out what your system is really using- if one of the 3 gets depleted, your corals are not growing in the same fashion as they otherwise would, so once your levels are balanced, expect the corals to start sucking things up again and you'll need to compensate.

As far as how to dose? I use BRS's products and have been very pleased with them, so I would encourage that based on my own experience.