Another calcium supplement question

[Lupin]

Baking soda should increase the hardness levels. If it doesn't help, add liquid calcium there. Liquid calcium is calcium chloride and can increase the hardness levels. Limestones, crushed corals and seashells also work.

 

[captmicha]

I always use baking soda to bring up my pH. So I guess I'll be buying some liquid calcium then. What's a good brand to buy? And why do some sell a bottle of liquid calcium and tell you to buy another bottle of a different calcium to use in conjunction with it? Why the heck can't they put all it in the same bottle?? Is there one that contains all the calcium I need without having to buy separate bottles? I'd like to be able to use it for coral also since I'm setting up a marine tank soon. I don't want to have to be buying a bottle for this calcium and a bottle for that calcium and bottles upon bottles. I go to college dammit! I don't have that much money!

 

[Lupin]

I always use baking soda to bring up my pH. So I guess I'll be buying some liquid calcium then. What's a good brand to buy? And why do some sell a bottle of liquid calcium and tell you to buy another bottle of a different calcium to use in conjunction with it? Why the heck can't they put all it in the same bottle?? Is there one that contains all the calcium I need without having to buy separate bottles? I'd like to be able to use it for coral also since I'm setting up a marine tank soon. I don't want to have to be buying a bottle for this calcium and a bottle for that calcium and bottles upon bottles. I go to college dammit! I don't have that much money!

Kent's liquid calcium can be used. It is used for reef systems but it can be used in FW setups as well. This one is calcium chloride. There are many types of calcium and some can elevate your pH quite high and off the chart. Those ones should be avoided. Calcium carbonate and calcium chloride are the ones you should look for.

 

[captmicha]

Should I look for one that has both in it?

 

[Lupin]

Should I look for one that has both in it?

That's not going to happen. These are different types of calcium that you don't find mixed in bottles. Actually, calcium carbonate is already in Tums, Caltrate, crushed oyster shells, crushed corals, limestones and many other things built up from calcium.