Calcium

[ORchick]

Here are today's chemistry results:
Ammonia 0
High level Ph 8.2
Nitrate 0
Nitrite 0
Phosphate 0.25
Calcium 400mg/l
Did not measure Salinity
A few weeks ago the Calcium level was 450 mg/l . Just wanted to get some feedback before placing any additives to the tank
I have Zoas, a Duncan, a plate coral , Kenya trees (more than I want), mushrooms, scallops, hermit crabs and scallops. Several types of fish.

Any input is appreciated.

 

[Tahoe61]

I would not dose the tank for that level. You need to know your ALk and Magnesium level as well, they are equally as important.

 

[Reefing Madness]

If it was 450 a week ago, your corals and rock are using it up. Time to Dose. But, you still need to know what your ALK and MAG are. Also, knowing what your SG is, is very improtant when housing corals.

 

[ORchick]

I will have to get the test for alk and mag. Those test where not in the test kit I purchased. I will test the SG today, I just don't like the hydrometer I have it is flakey.
Done 1.026 sg

 

[Engloid]

Another factor to consider is when you did or will do a waterchange. If you're due up for a waterchange, I would not dose because your waterchange will add some more. Reef Crystals has more calcium than Instant Ocean. I use one or the other, depending on what my calcium looks like. I'm not a big fan of dosing stuff. I have started dosing vodka, but can't say I see any results yet.

 

[Tahoe61]

The basic SW parameters for water chemistry can be found here:
Reef Aquarium Water Parameters by Randy Holmes-Farley - Reefkeeping.com
To effectively dose calcium you need to monitor Alkalinity and Magnesium as well.

 

[ORchick]

I will have to get the rest kit for alk and mag this week. I will look at the link, thanks Tahoe. Did the water change last weekend.