How to raise calc when alk is correct?

VelasCorals · Mar 10, 2015

First off, thank you for your time.

We have a customer that needs to raise calc from 350 to around 450ppm. Their Alk is 8dkh. How should they only increase the calcium without dropping the Alk? I've haven't run into this problem. It's usually a swing one way or another.

Thank you!

macscale · Mar 10, 2015

That's going to be rather difficult. My first move would to test freshmixed SW levels, and see how big of a swing in alk they'll be getting just from that....
I'm interested to see what other say, following.

PaulKreider · Mar 10, 2015

Dose a small amount of alk while raising calcium, wait 20 minutes or so between cal and alk of course but over the course of a week or two shouldn't be too hard.

Randy Holmes-Farley · Mar 10, 2015

Adding calcium chloride will boost calcium and have no immediate impact on alkalinity. There are many brands that will be fine.

VelasCorals · Mar 11, 2015

Thank you so much.

Do you think adding the required amount to raise calcium levels 100ppm all at once would have any negative affects?

CastAway · Mar 11, 2015

tagging along

Funbags · Mar 11, 2015

I WOULD NOT raise it all at once, My opinion is buy a two part solution from BRS or any Calcium solution. Dose just the calcium and split it up into at least two doses spanning 5-7 days to be safe. There is no point in making a big swing if things are not dying.

VelasCorals · Mar 11, 2015

Funbags said:
I WOULD NOT raise it all at once, My opinion is buy a two part solution from BRS or any Calcium solution. Dose just the calcium and split it up into at least two doses spanning 5-7 days to be safe. There is no point in making a big swing if things are not dying.

Roger that. Thanks!

Randy Holmes-Farley · Mar 11, 2015

I'd boost it 25 ppm per day for a few days.

Not because the calcium boost of 100 ppm itself is the concern, but in case undesirable impurities are coming in with it.

Matts125 · Mar 11, 2015

Nothing good happens fast in a reef tank. Do not raise calcium 100 ppm all at once. Do it over a weeks time.

Larry L · Mar 13, 2015

Just curious, why 450? This article (Reef Aquarium Water Parameters by Randy Holmes-Farley - Reefkeeping.com) suggests 380 is sufficient.

eliramos · Mar 13, 2015

Following along

Neptunes Cove · Mar 13, 2015

*MAG or magnesium Is also Important in this ratio,
and you sometimes have Issues of the elements "holding" In solution without It
-should be 1325-1375ppm
-its not only an important coral builder/ but part of your overall salinity
as Epsom salts are magnesium, in your tank there is mag sulfate ad mag chloride
get your DKH and mag right and elevate your calcium to 420-450
NSW is approx. 392ppm, but we run elevated levels to sustain and enhance growth...
380 is the lowest end
-hope this helps!