lowering Calcium and Mag

[lapoza]

I have a 240 gallon system,

SG 1.025
temp 78
PH 8.1
Alk 8.6
Calcium 530
Mag. 1560
phosphate.08
nitrate 0

LED lighting,
2 Gyre and several smaller power heads.

I recently bought several SPS frags and colonies at a frag swap, roughly 6 weeks now. I also have a very large Hollywood stunner I've had almost 4 months. At least half of the SPS have started to RTN to some extent. At this point I am thinking it is due to the high Calcium and Mag ranges I have. I use Reef crystals and the calcium is always this high with this salt.

When I do searches of successful tank parameters the cal and Mag ranges are much lower. Using a Calcium reactor but the only value that changes when adjusting it will be the Alk range.

Not sure if this is my problem or not, but I would like a way to lower Cal and Mag to see if it helps.

 

[GoVols]

The thing that stands out to me the most, is zero nitrates.

I've had cal and mag higher than that with no issues, but you might want to change to the Red Sea "Blue Bucket" mix.

Came across two tips from Randy before I fired up my cal reactor:
To keep your cal balanced with alk when running a cal reactor:
1) Shoot for an alk at about 9 dhk
2) Keep your main display water at .35ppt which is higher than 1.025 sg

Been up and running my reactor for 1.5 years (with those two tips in mind) and so far, so good.

Also, Keep your alk real stable at all times.

 

[DesertReefT4r]

To lower cal and mag just stop dosing if you do so. If its your salt mix causing the high cal and mag then switch to a salt with lower cal and mag. Just let it slowly come down on its own or lower it with water changes over several weeks.

 

[Backreefing]

I’m surprised your alkalinity is 8.6 ReefCrystals mixed with RO water come in at 13 DKH Red Sea blue bucket is good advice. To get your calcium down just turn off the calcium reactor and wait . Here is a list of saltwater mixes by brands I got here on this forum

 

[TX_Punisher]

A few 30-40g or maybe more water changes with a “fish salt” like IO should get it down. Just watch the alk in that mix as it’s high. Dose with muriatic to get alk down.

 

[balajeek15]

I wonder if there are any other methods to lower Ca and Mg without WC!

 

[Backreefing]

Stop doseing and time

 

[balajeek15]

my case i stopped dosing 3 months ago and my Ca test (RedSea) still show 500+

 

[Backreefing]

It’s getting in there somehow. Water changes, make up water . Ect and by the way calcium over 500 isn’t that bad. Alkalinity is more important. Target 7-9 even 10 is ok with some nutrients . Get some Red Sea salt mix bulk reef supply sells it and should ship free. Go online buy it and it’s at your door. Done

 

[LagoonLounge]

I wonder if there are any other methods to lower Ca and Mg without WC!

Naturally

 

[jda]

You can let the tank use them up without replacing them. That is about it.

 

[Backreefing]

my case i stopped dosing 3 months ago and my Ca test (RedSea) still show 500+

Read it’s interesting

Chemistry And The Aquarium: Solving Calcium And Alkalinity Problems

I hope this article proves useful is understanding and dealing with the different types of calcium and alkalinity problems encountered by reef keepers. Once you get calcium and alkalinity under control, you are far along the road to having your tank chemistry optimal for its inhabitants.

www.advancedaquarist.com

 

[ZaneTer]

I know this may sound a bit funny but high calcium and magnesium are very often signs of high salinity. When last did you calibrate your refractometer with fresh calibration fluid?