Calcium Question

[dpdiver]

Hello All,
I have my 46g Bow front installed with 75lbs of LR and 3" of LS. I started adding my chemicals and due to some piss poor math skills on my part I added 50ml of liquid calcium instead of 15ml as recommended on the bottle. The tank clouded up on me. Is the additional Calcium harmful?
Thanks as always for your advice,
Milt

 

[full of questions]

i really don't think that it will hurt anything,it will just get used
up,it usually is some what cloudy,if there's to much in there
it would look like it was snowing in the tank,do you have a
test kit for calicum if way to high maybe do a water change
or just wait it out.i wouldn't put anything in there until it;s
under control.

 

[pigeoncreek1]

I would do some water changes to correct the problem. High calcium levels could damage your equipment(powerheads, filters, return pump) Also, if it keeps precipitating, it could leave a hard crust on the top of your sand bed
If you don't have a test kit get one...Ca+ levels should be 400-450..... HTH

 

[dpdiver]

Thanks everyone,
I haven't water cycled as of yet. The tank is no longer cloudy. I tested my levels and since I am only on 3rd day of cycling the levels are all over the place. I think I will hold off for a week before I add anymore calcium, I'll be sure to pick up a Ca test kit to make sure everything is set.
I'm excited about doing this it is almost like a long term Science Experiment!
Thanks for all your help and advice!
Milt

 

[goldrush]

Welcome DP, I agree,concentrate on completing the cycle first.Don't worry about how long it takes.Let it take it's course.Only then do you start being concerned with other levels,calcium etc. . Go slow,read a lot and ask questions,you will get good advice here. Don't add any living things until cycle is complete.Good luck.

 

[cboyfan2020]

I agree with goldrush. I wouldnt add anything until cycle is complete. That goes for fish, chemicals, etc. Good luck

 

[broomer5]

I would imagine that you over saturated the saltwater with this liquid calcium.
When this happens - it's possible to precipitate calcium carbonate out of solution. It forms a solid - and the result is cloudy water.
When this happens - normally you'll lose both calcium and carbonates ( alkalinity )
I agree with the others - and let the tank cycle.
When your numbers look good - test for calcium AND alkalinity and pH.
Report back your numbers.
Whenever we add calcium - we MUST also test for alkalinity along with pH.
Calcium and Alkalinty additives are used in concert with each other. You gotta do both in most every case.
The three measurements taken together are worthwhile.
Just testing one without the other two is almost pointless.
Never fear though ....... it's nothing that a series of good water changes can't correct - after you cycle.

 

[dpdiver]

Thanks again all,
My LFS told me to start adding chemicals now. Calcuin, Iron, Stronitium. From what everone is telling me I shouldn't add anything untill the levels drop. I guess I'm getting confused now. I think I'm going to stop adding any and all chemicals until further notice. I'll post my levels this afternoon after I get home.
Thanks Again,
Ps anyone in the Sunrise FL area?
Milt

 

[elan]

i am sorta close.. in boca... email me at elan@barenboim.com

 

[broomer5]

Milt,
I'll assume your LFS person sold you these chemical additives ??
Hmmmmm wonder why they $old you them ?
Newly mixed saltwater has everything necessary for a new tank set up.
Some people begin to supplement a reef tank with additional additives AFTER they have living creatures in the tank that would benefit from such additives.
Bacteria - are what you are wanting to reproduce in a new tank.
Synthetic saltwater is all they need.
I would cease all additives at this point.

 

[dpdiver]

Hello All,
Thanks for your help. Here are a couple of pics of my 1st cycling tank.
Milt

 

[dpdiver]

And a closer look at my LR