Calcium Maintenance Recommendations

djbetterly · Mar 13, 2016

So I know this isn't a triton forum, but I felt insights from the chemistry arena would be valuable. I run a triton system, but I also have decided to run my alk higher than the recommendation by triton to encourage more growth. The problem is, at least from what I'm told, is that triton isn't designed to maintain the higher calcium requirements. So my question is, what is a good, clean form of calcium to supplement my triton system with. Any other suggestions based on what I'm saying?

Currently I'm maintaining my Alk around 9.5-9.6. I've noticed my calcium slowly declining. A week ago it was around 450, now just two days ago down to 415. Going to test again later today to see where I'm at.

@twilliard
@Triton US

Randy Holmes-Farley · Mar 13, 2016

What are you using for alkalinity?

I'd probably use a two part for both calcium and alkalinity so you need not constantly be tweaking both independently, but have a bit more independent control than with methods such as limewater (kalkwasser; this is all I use) or a CaCO3/CO2 reactor.

Calcium chloride is really the only thing to use for calcium only supplementation, IMO.

djbetterly · Mar 13, 2016

Well the triton system has a calcium and alk supplement but they don't recommend tweaking one or the other, they recommend supplementing with two part. Now I could probably stabilize the triton elements and then use the two part to bring my alk and calcium to the desired levels. I just don't like that the triton system maintains such an 8.0 alk, I get that lower alk supports more color, but I'd like to see a bit more growth given I buy frags not colonies.

Is my thinking correct? Please correct me if I'm wrong.

twilliard · Mar 13, 2016

Randy got it spot on

Now there is an acceptable range for calcium and Randy correct me if wrong but 380 on the low end and 500 on the high end.
With my triton setup my calcium is about 410 at 8.3 dkh (1.026 sg)

twilliard · Mar 13, 2016

djbetterly said:
Well the triton system has a calcium and alk supplement but they don't recommend tweaking one or the other, they recommend supplementing with two part. Now I could probably stabilize the triton elements and then use the two part to bring my alk and calcium to the desired levels. I just don't like that the triton system maintains such an 8.0 alk, I get that lower alk supports more color, but I'd like to see a bit more growth given I buy frags not colonies.

Is my thinking correct? Please correct me if I'm wrong.

This will be based on available nutrients in your system

Randy Holmes-Farley · Mar 13, 2016

djbetterly said:
Well the triton system has a calcium and alk supplement but they don't recommend tweaking one or the other, they recommend supplementing with two part. Now I could probably stabilize the triton elements and then use the two part to bring my alk and calcium to the desired levels. I just don't like that the triton system maintains such an 8.0 alk, I get that lower alk supports more color, but I'd like to see a bit more growth given I buy frags not colonies.

Is my thinking correct? Please correct me if I'm wrong.

Use both parts of the two part equally to maintain higher alk, and calcium will rise a little bit too, but not enough to be a problem. Alter the calcium part up or down a little IF it actually gets too high or too low, but not after each little movement.

djbetterly · Mar 13, 2016

@twilliard Thankfully I have available nutrients at the moment and have a side of nitrates waiting if need be.

djbetterly · Mar 13, 2016

And thank you Randy

djbetterly · Mar 13, 2016

Last question, what are some of the better two part supplements? Or are they all equal?

twilliard · Mar 13, 2016

I used reef fusion to adjust my levels

djbetterly · Mar 13, 2016

@twilliard, how much growth do you see with your levels a bit lower?

Randy Holmes-Farley · Mar 13, 2016

djbetterly said:
Last question, what are some of the better two part supplements? Or are they all equal?

I've never seen an analysis of any of them.

Personally, I'd pick B-ionic as a commercial supplement (because I trust them to do it right), and I'd pick a DIY if cost is more of a concern.

twilliard · Mar 13, 2016

djbetterly said:
@twilliard, how much growth do you see with your levels a bit lower?

It's depends on the species of coral. If I push alkalinity I loose my color. Where I am at is best for my tank to get the best of both worlds.
Now if you have the nutrients you can push alkalinity with enough lighting to get growth and color.
I run low on Po4 so I have to stay lower.
IMO calcium within the 380 to 500 has no change on growth within those areas.

djbetterly · Mar 13, 2016

I had a conversation with Jason Fox at a recent frag swap and that was his advice to me. Raise my alk between 9-10 to maintain color and also get a bit more growth.

Of course what works for him may not work for others. So I take any advice lightly until i see results on my end.

twilliard · Mar 13, 2016

djbetterly said:
I had a conversation with Jason Fox at a recent frag swap and that was his advice to me. Raise my alk between 9-10 to maintain color and also get a bit more growth.

Of course what works for him may not work for others. So I take any advice lightly until i see results on my end.

This would be correct watch you no3 and po4