Adding Calcium

[tackful]

Is there an easy way to add calcium without increasing ph? My water tests 7.2 am, then 6.2-6.4 pm after 10 hrs of pressurized co2. Gh/Kh are 5/8. Have gotten better growth recently by adding Epsom Salt, so adding some calcium too might help, but not sure if I'd want the ph to go up. I saw Plaster of Paris mentioned here. Would that work? Thanks.

 

[Slappy*McFish]

Calcium Chloride is what you want.
http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/store/gallon-bulk-calcium-chloride-for-aquariums.html

Your pH should be fine as long as you don't overdose. Monitor your KH/alkalinity.

 

[dundadundun]

another option... caso4 - calcium sulfate

plaster of paris is made up highly of it. looks like what's left is just water. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calcium_sulfate you'd have to ask around about brands...

or you can just use barr's gh booster... http://aquariumfertilizer.com/index.asp?Option1=cats&Edit=2&EditU=1&Regit=2

or seachem equilibrium... http://aquariumfertilizer.com/index.asp?Option1=cats&Edit=2&EditU=1&Regit=2

or seachem replenish... http://www.seachem.com/Products/product_pages/Replenish.html

that calcium chloride looks like a good price though.

 

[tackful]

That's great, thanks. And one more question: can I rely on a salt water Ca/Mg kit for
testing my fresh water?

 

[KarlTh]

Any calcium compound which doesn't add OH- will not raise pH.

 

[dundadundun]

That's great, thanks. And one more question: can I rely on a salt water Ca/Mg kit for
testing my fresh water?

why not... it's just testing ca/mg in water...
gh might be easier though.

 

[tackful]

Thanks.