NO Buffers!

[ifirefight]

I have read many posts that say to never add a buffer.Than others say "I use Kent super dkh buffer or Seachem reef builder,etc.." My question is What should be the only thing I should add to my tank.I know somebody will say water changs only. Right now I only add calcium,but am starting to drip kalk. I guess these are not considered buffers?? Even better, lets make a list of "approved additives" that can be added. ***)

 

[reefnut]

When you read "never use buffers" it's usually referring to PH adjustments or in newly mixed saltwater. Buffers should not be used to adjust the PH or added to newly mixed saltwater but it should be used to adjust the tank's alkalinity.
Kalk will provide both alkalinity and calcium but you need to test both to make sure they are somewhat balanced before you start. If you have been just adding calcium then most likely the calcium is high in relation to the alkalinity.
https://www.saltwaterfish.com/vb/showthread.php?t=175205
Approved additives...
Calcium
Alkalintiy
Magnesium
but always test first

 

[ifirefight]

Originally Posted by ReefNut
When you read "never use buffers" it's usually referring to PH adjustments or in newly mixed saltwater. Buffers should not be used to adjust the PH or added to newly mixed saltwater but it should be used to adjust the tank's alkalinity.
Kalk will provide both alkalinity and calcium but you need to test both to make sure they are somewhat balanced before you start. If you have been just adding calcium then most likely the calcium is high in relation to the alkalinity.
https://www.saltwaterfish.com/vb/showthread.php?t=175205
Approved additives...
Calcium
Alkalintiy
Magnesium
but always test first
Yes , I always test first. I am fairly new to all this,but I do a considerable amount of reading and research. Please explian that chart on the link you have provided. I have seen it many times.Not sure how to use it. If my alk is at 2.5 meq/l does that mean my Calcium is automatically 410,or are these "ballanced levels" I should shoot for??

 

[reefnut]

It's not automatic by any means but if your alk is 2.5meq/l then you should shoot for a calcium of around 410ppm (I keep mine around 3.0/420 to 3.5/430). I say "around" because you can drive yourself nuts chasing numbers and there is no reason to... just get them close. Kalk will provide a balanced solution of both alk & calcium so after you get the numbers where you want them then use the kalk to maintain it... adjusting when needed. I use a ca reactor on my 55g now but used kalk for years... good stuff. https://www.saltwaterfish.com/vb/showthread.php?t=86674

 

[azfishgal]

Originally Posted by ReefNut
It's not automatic by any means but if your alk is 2.5meq/l then you should shoot for a calcium of around 410ppm (I keep mine around 3.0/420 to 3.5/430). I say "around" because you can drive yourself nuts chasing numbers and there is no reason to... just get them close. Kalk will provide a balanced solution of both alk & calcium so after you get the numbers where you want them then use the kalk to maintain it... adjusting when needed. I use a ca reactor on my 55g now but used kalk for years... good stuff. https://www.saltwaterfish.com/vb/showthread.php?t=86674
My tank has been up and running for over a month now, have my clean up crew and will be adding my perc clowns next week (currently in QT). I am in the process of ordering some things to help with my alkalinity and calcium. Right now my alk is a at 1.7 and calcium is at 300 or 350 (if I did the test right

). My pH is 8.2. (After those tests I did a 5 gallon water change, so will test again before adding anything.) I've been told to get the Kent Marine SuperBuffer-dKH but what calcium additive should I get? I was thinking the Kent Marine Liquid Calcium. Oh, my tank is 125 gallons, 160 lbs live rock, 100 live sand. I have some great purple coraline that I'd like to keep if at all possible. Thanks for the help!

 

[hatessushi]

I use the Kent liquid calcium when needed. Oh and also Kents Magnesium supplement

 

[azfishgal]

Originally Posted by HatesSushi
I use the Kent liquid calcium when needed. Oh and also Kents Magnesium supplement
How often do you add the liquid calcium and how much? Right, I forgot about the Magnesium, had that on my list too.

 

[azfishgal]

Oh, what about Iodine?

 

[reefnut]

Personally I'd get Kent Turbo Calcium. It's a dry product but you get more for your money. Kent superbuffer is also a good product.

 

[reefnut]

Originally Posted by azfishgal
Oh, what about Iodine?
Routine water changes will maintain the iodine.

 

[azfishgal]

Originally Posted by ReefNut
Personally I'd get Kent Turbo Calcium. It's a dry product but you get more for your money. Kent superbuffer is also a good product.
Thanks for the help.