Calcium deposits in tank

[A Toadstool Leather]

Why does calcium keep building up in my pumps? Is this normal or is something up with my water?

 

[zsuzsu]

you are most likely running at a pretty high alkalinity.

 

[A Toadstool Leather]

you are most likely running at a pretty high alkalinity.

It tested at around 7 dkh when I tested it today.

 

[zsuzsu]

It tested at around 7 dkh when I tested it today.

hmmm.. well that’s not it then, kalk user? Overdose maybe?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

It is normal for calcium carbonate to precipitate on pumps because it is less soluble in warmer water, and pump impellers are usually warm. Same happens on heaters.

The ways to reduce this including ensuring that magnesium is OK, and that alk, calcium, and pH are not too high.

The pH effect is huge, and while you can likely stop the precipitation by keeping a lower pH, that may not be best for the calcifying organisms in the tank.

 

[A Toadstool Leather]

It is normal for calcium carbonate to precipitate on pumps because it is less soluble in warmer water, and pump impellers are usually warm. Same happens on heaters.

The ways to reduce this including ensuring that magnesium is OK, and that alk, calcium, and pH are not too high.

The pH effect is huge, and while you can likely stop the precipitation by keeping a lower pH, that may not be best for the calcifying organisms in the tank.

I will check mg an ca later today.