Carbocalcium

Ktran350 · Jun 25, 2019

I just switched from Red Sea Reef Foundation to TM CarboCalcium (yesterday). After dosing how long should one wait to test Alk? Is it like “time released” as suggested because bacteria releases Alk and calcium?

-Yesterday/First dose-
- 11.38 ML for a 60 gallon tank which is 2 ppm Calcium and .28 dkh
- Test: Alk 8.4 dkh, Cal 425 ppm

Today
- Test: Alk 7.4 dkh (-.8 dkh)
- adjusted daily dose (11.38 ML initial dose + 21.13 ML): 32.51 ML.

Has anyone else used this and how do you like it so far? As far as minor and trace elements. I know All-for-Reef has all 3 parts + trace elements. While CarboCalcium has Alk and Calcium. Does it contain trace elements? Should I add it or just let WC replenish it? I do about 10% WC weekly.

Sorry lots of questions. I’ve emailed Tropic Marin but haven’t received anything yet. TIA

Hitman · Jun 25, 2019

General rule is wait 1 hour then retest. Many test sooner but I’ve always waited a hour.

bluprntguy · Jun 25, 2019

I use TM all-for-reef in my tank. Does what it claims. It does also act as a carbon source, so if you are dosing other products (nopox, zeovit, vinegar, etc), I would stop and wait for things to stabilize after starting the carbocalcium. My phosphates and nitrates went to zero after starting dosing.

I think the only difference between carbocalcium and all-for-reef is the addition of trace elements in the all-for-reef. I started with the carbocalcium and then switched.

There is a dosing calculator on their website:
https://www.tropic-marin-smartinfo.com/en/minerals/carbocalcium.html#open-5

Ktran350 · Jun 25, 2019

bluprntguy said:
I use TM all-for-reef in my tank. Does what it claims. It does also act as a carbon source, so if you are dosing other products (nopox, zeovit, vinegar, etc), I would stop and wait for things to stabilize after starting the carbocalcium. My phosphates and nitrates went to zero after starting dosing.

I think the only difference between carbocalcium and all-for-reef is the addition of trace elements in the all-for-reef. I started with the carbocalcium and then switched.

There is a dosing calculator on their website:
https://www.tropic-marin-smartinfo.com/en/minerals/carbocalcium.html#open-5

Yea, I used their dosing calculator and that’s how I got the dosing numbers. How’s your mag level using all for reef? Is at a constant number or is it increasing?

bluprntguy · Jun 25, 2019

Ktran350 said:
Yea, I used their dosing calculator and that’s how I got the dosing numbers. How’s your mag level using all for reef? Is at a constant number or is it increasing?

My tank is still pretty new, so I’m not dosing as much as you. Mag seems pretty stable.

Ktran350 · Jun 25, 2019

Ok. Pretty curious as to the mag consumption in relation to Alk and cal

The Opinionated Reefer · Jun 25, 2019

It should take a few days for the all to stabilise. I'm using all for reef in my red sea max nano and it's thriving from it. Very stable alk and my corals are growing well.