Adding calcium to a FOWLR tank

[dugan]

I want to encourage more purple coraline growth and I've read to add calcium in order to accomplish that.
I have some Kent Marine Liquid Calcium and the directions recommend adding 1 capful per 50 gallons per day based on animal load.
Does anyone else with a FOWLR use this stuff? Do you test for calcium levels in the tank? If so, what level have you found appropriate? I am assuming that a FOWLR is going to require less calcium than a reef?
FWIW I have a 58 with 3 small fish, @ a dozen snails, @ 20 hermits, 2 emerald crabs and 55# of LR.
Thanks!
Katie

 

[wildbunch]

I am having this same problem. I only have 9 lbs. in a 175 gallon tank. The lace rock is below the live. I am hoping it will spread to the other rock so I have been adding calcium. I would like to know how much to add and what is the appropriate level for a fish only tank, with a little live rock.
I don't want to add too much and get calcium deposits built up in my pumps.
Any answers would be great.

 

[wildbunch]

I am having this same problem. I only have 9 lbs. in a 175 gallon tank. The lace rock is below the live. I am hoping it will spread to the other rock so I have been adding calcium. I would like to know how much to add and what is the appropriate level for a fish only tank, with a little live rock.
I don't want to add too much and get calcium deposits built up in my pumps.
Any answers would be great.

 

[mr . salty]

You should also get a calcium test kit.Then you can moniter the dosage without worrying about adding too much.You should try to keep it around 450-500.

 

[skooby]

About 2 weeks ago I tested my calcium for the first time and it was a little low. It should be between 400 and 450. I have been adding Kalkwasser to raise my calcum. It also says to add a pint every hour to a 55 gal. tank (maximum). It is a really slow process. One thing to remember when adding calcium, you raise your ph some, depending on how much you add. I add my kalkwasser at night when my ph is naturally low. Just remember to add it slow. I have really noticed a color change in my LR. Good things take time.

 

[volitan]

Try Kent Turbo Calcium. It kicked my calcium level up really fast.