what type of Calcium do you use?

[barchtruong]

I read alot about this chemimal balance issue on here
and I now find it's very difficult and challenging to get my tank's Calcium, PH and Akalinity to a healthy point.
My softies are increasing rapidly in my 55g.
And my Hard corals are catching up, also.
I just finished up the first buckets of Instant Ocean ( I heard about it's not good for reef)
I am now using Reef Crystal. First time mixed last Sat.
Test Calcium 5hrs after the water change and it was at 400mg/L. I dosed 20mg/L.
And now, after less than 2days, it drops down to 380mg/L
I use Seachem "Raises Calcium" and Kent "Iodine", but those bottles are too small and the tank uses up pretty fast.
What type of Calcium do you use?
Where can I find like a big bucket of Calcium to dose my tank?
All advice, suggestions and recommendations are greatly appreciated.
Thank you much.

 

[pete43]

No expert or anything,but I use B-ionic 2 part solution Alk/Calcium and it keeps everything at a constant level

 

[barchtruong]

did you find it at the local lfs or online?
does it come with a big 2 litters or just the lil 250ml?

 

[reefnut]

What is your alkalinity level??
Kalkwasser is a very effective and inexpensive way to maintain both calcium & alkalinity. The two part additives like the B-Ionic ca/alk are also very effective.
If you are dosing Iodine you should really get a Iodine Test Kit to make sure you do not add to much.

 

[barchtruong]

yeah...the Iodine is the only thing that's not in my test kit.
My KH is 8. Dunno if it's hi enuf?
I heard about Kalkwasser. Where do you find it? local or online?
Do they make like 1g or 5g bottle?

 

[barchtruong]

I want to dose Cal to my tank everyday to keep it around 420mg/l, but I am afraid that my Akalinity and PH will drop when I dose Calcium.....grrrr....I am so frustrated!

 

[killerbee181]

I use B-ionics as well. u can get it in gallon jugs. best price for what u get. Just gotta keep watch on your levels. I didn't test for a few weeks and my calc was at 570 and alk at 4.0 lol but it's great stuff and easy to use. and the gallon jugs last a long time. I have a 90 gal reef tank and i've only used about a quarter of a gallon in over 6 months. Also if u have the cash they have a doser for it as well!!! I hear good things about it but don't have the cash to get it.

 

[aztec reef]

you dont dose calcium everyday unless you're trying to bring it up, but to keep it stable you dose kalkwasser to replenish evaporated water.

 

[barchtruong]

Calcium keeps dropping down to 380 and 360. I have to keep up with it.
I use my Metalic Green Brain to guess the Calcium level cuz that's the 1st coral in my tank will shrivel up and let me know cal is too low.
My KH is at the low border line, I think. (8drops test)
PH is still ok, 8.2.

 

[reefnut]

I think it's best to add both alkalinity & calcium everyday to keep the fluctuations to a minimum, with kalk or b-ioinic or whatever you're using.
Both the kalk mix and the two part additives will add alkalinity & calcium so you can keep them balanced.
Kalk can be purchased at most LFSs or you can use pickling lime from the grocery store. I use Balls Pickling Lime when I dose kalk.

 

[reefnut]

BTW, alkalinity should be kept between 8dkh to 11dkh and calcium between 420ppm to 440ppm respectively.
Alkalinity & Calcium Chart

 

[gatorwpb]

Originally Posted by pete43
No expert or anything,but I use B-ionic 2 part solution Alk/Calcium and it keeps everything at a constant level
B-ionic is great!

You can make your own too, google "two part solution." Thats what I plan to do when I run out of my current stock of b-ionic.

 

[earlybird]

Originally Posted by GatorWPB
B-ionic is great!

You can make your own too, google "two part solution." Thats what I plan to do when I run out of my current stock of b-ionic.
Good read and find with the 2 part thanks.

 

[moneyman]

I use calcium chloride found in some Lowes. However, I am ordering some calcium gluconate (Seachem Reef Calcium) which is said to be better for growth of coralline algae.