Good Calcium Buffer

[Cscultho]

Happy Thanksgiving!

Looking for a good and inexpensive calcium buffer for my reef. My calcium Hoover between 380-400 and I’d like to increase it to 450ish. My pH is 8-8.2, alk 9.0.

Thanks for your guidance

 

[DrDirt]

If you are referring to two part calcium/alkalinity dosing there are a numer of good options. Over time I have settled in on ESV B-ionic. I have had good success with it, and it is relatively cost effective compared to many two part dosing options.

 

[bushdoc]

Any two part would be OK.
Agree with DrDirt about B-ionic, however it also depends on size of your tank and if you are going to get it from LFS or online.Most of LFS carry B-ionic.
If you have large tank and don't mind mixing stuff yourself I would go for BRS two part Pharma, if you have nano tank, consider All-for-reef.

 

[Cscultho]

I have a biocube 32 gallon. My alkalinity seems fine but my calcium needs help IMO. I have Kalkwasser but this raise both alk and cal so I’ve stopped Kalk until I get calcium up.

Should I try to only raise calcium?

 

[bushdoc]

Than I suggest B-ionic.
You can correct calcium levels to desirable one using BRS or other online calculator.

 

[Cscultho]

Than I suggest B-ionic.
You can correct calcium levels to desirable one using BRS or other online calculator.

B-ionic is sold by who?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Just to clarify, a calcium supplement is not called a buffer. An alkalinity supplement may or may not be a buffer.

I’d just avoid using the term buffer unless you know you really want a buffer.

 

[Cscultho]

Just to clarify, a calcium supplement is not called a buffer. An alkalinity supplement may or may not be a buffer.

I’d just avoid using the term buffer unless you know you really want a buffer.

Thanks for clarification Randy. What’s your recommendation on a calcium supplement?

 

[gbroadbridge]

Happy Thanksgiving!

Looking for a good and inexpensive calcium buffer for my reef. My calcium Hoover between 380-400 and I’d like to increase it to 450ish. My pH is 8-8.2, alk 9.0.

Thanks for your guidance

Look on Amazon for food grade calcium chloride (CaCl3)

Then use the reef chemistry calculator to ascertain the amount to dose.

Reef Chemistry Calculator

 

[DrDirt]

B-ionic is sold by who?

I am pretty sure BRS sales it. Again, there are numerous good options. This is just the one I use and have had success with.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I'd look to use a two part alk and calcium method, since you should rarely need calcium and not alk. A DIY, ESV B-ionic, or TM Balling are good choices.

 

[Cscultho]

I'd look to use a two part alk and calcium method, since you should rarely need calcium and not alk. A DIY, ESV B-ionic, or TM Balling are good choices.

Thanks Randy. Is All for Reef considered a balling method?

 

[vetteguy53081]

I dont use buffers but rather calcium chloride

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Thanks Randy. Is All for Reef considered a balling method?

No, but All for Reef is a fine method.