Calcified sponges in reactors and pumps.

[Montrosereef]

I cant be the only person having this problem. I know someone out there knows how to fix it. I have my tank for over a year and recently I cannot keep up with calcium and alk. demand. I used to run a gallon of calcium per month, now almost a gallon a week for 120g tank. I tested the magnesium and it was low so I raised it to 1400, but this does not stop equipment and reactor sponges to continue getting calcified.

I dose calcium, alk. and magnesium (auto dosing 24 time a day, individually controlled doser) and ATO with limewater in the sump near the pumps/skimmer.

Can someone tell me what to do to avoid calcified equipment? Is this from the mixing of all these chemicals in the sump?



Temp: 79

Calcium: 420
Alk: 9
Salt: Red Sea Pro
Mag.: 1400
ATO with limewater

 

[Robert@MD]

Check for stray voltage, this would explain a lot. Even the slightest amount can cause calcareous build up. Also, be sure to dose your supplements at least an hour apart or at minimum 10 minutes apart, in an area of high flow.

 

[Montrosereef]

Thanks! How do you check stray voltage?

 

[Robert@MD]

You would need a voltage meter. Ground the black probe and stick the red probe in your tank. If you notice any movement on the voltage meter, you have stray voltage.

Also, check out this article Calcium and Alkalinity by Randy Holmes-Farley - Reefkeeping.com and scroll down to the section that talks about "Why doesn't Calcium Carbonate Precipitate in Tank Water".

I know its a bit wordy and a little over my head too, however, this section clearly outlines the reasons for calcium precipitation which is what you are experiencing.