Calcium vs. Kalkwasser

blkhawk10

Member
I'm trying to grow some corraline algae in my tank and have been dosing calcium daily along with b-ionic 1&2 to keep the levels stable. What is the difference between using calcium compared to kalkwasser, and should I dose that instead?
 

geoj

Active Member
Originally Posted by blkhawk10
http:///forum/post/3216292
I'm trying to grow some corraline algae in my tank and have been dosing calcium daily along with b-ionic 1&2 to keep the levels stable. What is the difference between using calcium compared to kalkwasser, and should I dose that instead?
Kalkwasser (calcium hydroxide) this can change pH more than others can, so should be dripped in.
Calcium (one of calcium: chloride or carbonate) won’t change pH much but will affect kH dripping in will give better results.
 

monalisa

Active Member
Just an FYI, I've had GREAT luck with upping my calcium (AND my coraline algae growth) by simply switching to Oceanic salt mix for my water changes. But, I'm not really one to use supplements in my tank...makes me nervous. Sounds like you're doing great though, just thought I would throw this out there.
Lisa
 

blkhawk10

Member
Yea I hear ya. The only reason i'm supplementing calcium is cause I switched to IO for my salt and has less calcium than Red Sea so I'm making up the extra.
 

monalisa

Active Member
Actually, my switch was FROM Instant Ocean to Oceanic salt...considerable difference!! You'll notice after the third water change...at least that's been my experience.
Lisa
 

geoj

Active Member
Originally Posted by blkhawk10
http:///forum/post/3216351
What does dripping mean, I put it on a spoon and in my fuge. Would that be the same thing?
You dissolve in fresh water and add one drop at a time like drip acclimating a fish. You can also use a auto top-off peristaltic pump to drip it in.
Adding free calcium all at once will make more calcium carbonate lowering kH more.
 

bang guy

Moderator
Originally Posted by blkhawk10
http:///forum/post/3216351
What does dripping mean, I put it on a spoon and in my fuge. Would that be the same thing?
Nope. If you mix Calcium hydroxide in water and drip it in then it will raise Alkalinity and Calcium in equal parts. If you add Calcium hydroxide directly to saltwater you will form a cloud of Calcium carbonate and it will most likely lower Calcium and Alkalinity along with Magnesium as the seed crystals attract more Calcium and Carbonate from your saltwater.
 
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