Carbo-Calcium Powder

[MSOEME2009]

Anyone have an idea when this will be available in the USA? It would be nice to dose only one solution to free up a head on the DOS.

What additive system do you recommend? I currently use the red sea trace 4 part.

@Lou Ekus @Hans-Werner

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I do not know availability, but I discuss the product and similar products here:

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/h...calcium-or-carbo-calcium.410153/#post-4850866

and

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/c...ement-how-does-this-work.390824/#post-4723821

 

[MSOEME2009]

Thanks

I did see both of those threads.

The only drawbacks of formate seemed to be bacterial growth. We already need to add Mg to our 2-part mix. I also have jugs of Ca and Alk in case of corrections.

I already have to dose PO4, and my NO3 is now becoming so low I will probably need to dose that too. I don't dose any organics to drive bacterial growth currently.

The other solution would be to cycle the skimmer and reduce the size of my chaeto ;Facepalm

I'm currently about to implement an automated 2 part (right now I manually dose). However, if I can free up a head on the DOS, I can use it for a water change in conjunction with my PMUP for draining the sump.

However, why do a water change if:

1. My NO3 is low
2. My PO4 is low
3. My water looks clear

As long as I do a good job with minor and trace elements, I should not need to... My tank has been up for only 3 months and is well stocked. However, I have yet to do a water change, have to dose PO4 (soon to be NO3), and have no algea problems (knock on wood). I did a great job cycling and preparing the tank thanks to @randyBRS @Bulk Reef Supply @Ryanbrs and their video series.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

However, why do a water change if:

1. My NO3 is low
2. My PO4 is low
3. My water looks clear

As long as I do a good job with minor and trace elements, I should not need to... My tank has been up for only 3 months and is well stocked.

You may not need to, but a water change also helps export things that are accumulating, some of which are not detected by ICP (e.g., organics/toxins, etc.) .

 

[MSOEME2009]

That's what I figured. I will do an ICP test in a few months when I get the DOS dialed in. I do make sure to run ROX 0.8; especially when irritating corals by adding/mounting/moving.

Looks like I can order the powder online on eBay from Germany and have it shipped to the USA; I'll stick with 2-Part until it's available more readily. Just ordered some more.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

If you end up trying it, let us know how you like it.

My suggestion is, long term, to use a low calcium high alk salt mix, since such a method may, like limewater/kslkwasser, tend to let calcium rise long term relative to alkalinity. That's what I did using limewater, and I used normal IO and it worked well together.