Mixed calcium powder with bicarbonate

[Jonas Bergkvist]

Hi there!

My aquarium is a bit low on both alkalinity and calcium, so i added two teaspoons of Bicarbonate and 25 gr of Calcium something powder in a jug and it started to sizzle. Is that normal? Should i wait until the solution is completely clear and then drip it?

My system volume is 750 litres and current Alkalinity is just below 8 and Calcium 388. I guess these values are ok, but i noticed over time it's dropping so i want to counter add this solution so that it won't drop to low. Oh and one more thing, can i add this solution directly to my top off system? It's a 50 liter container. My Magnesium is 1284.

 

[MnFish1]

Hi there!

My aquarium is a bit low on both alkalinity and calcium, so i added two teaspoons of Bicarbonate and 25 gr of Calcium something powder in a jug and it started to sizzle. Is that normal? Should i wait until the solution is completely clear and then drip it?

My system volume is 750 litres and current Alkalinity is just below 8 and Calcium 388. I guess these values are ok, but i noticed over time it's dropping so i want to counter add this solution so that it won't drop to low. Oh and one more thing, can i add this solution directly to my top off system? It's a 50 liter container. My Magnesium is 1284.

I would throw it away - the two chemicals reacted - and you really have no clue how much has precipitated - vs how much you're adding

 

[dwest]

You likely have calcium carbonate precipitation so I agree to discard it.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Any dissolved calcium additive mixed with any dissolved bicarbonate (alkalinity) additive will precipitate useless calcium carbonate.

They must be dosed separately.

 

[ChaosAquaculture]

I wouldnt save it if they mixed - kali

 

[Saltyreef]

as long as it didnt cause precipitate to form and float around its likely fine. The sizzle could have been from the chemical reacting to the water.

I always opt to premix into a liquid solution before dosing though.

Edit: reread your post and if you added them both to a jar and not the tank, throw it out.

 

[Jonas Bergkvist]

Thank you everyone! I have discarded the solution now, and mixed new ones i am currently dripping them from two bags into my sump. Have a great weekend guys, and thank you again for helping me

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Sounds good.

Happy Reefing.