Raising Calcium Level

[JDanneker]

Slowly over time, my calcium level is dropping and is now around 240. I have tried using Kent Liquid Calcium and Kent Liquid Reactor with limited success.


I am debating the use of Kent Kalkwasser as I hear this is a good product. However, it sounds like I need to drip in the calcium supplement over time. If so, at what rate should I drip this supplement.

The reason I tried the other products first was to eliminate the need to drip in the supplement. However, it has been difficult to raise the level.

Note that I am conservative with the dosing of supplements and tend to dose on the low side.

As a reference, I have a 72 gallon bow front and about 90# of LR.

Thanks!

 

[fsn77]

I'll first say that I tried Kent Liquid Reactor myself as I won a large bottle of it at a club function. I was not impressed. It's really a waste of money considering how much of it is required to just maintain levels in a reef tank.

I normally use a powdered calcium supplement, such as Seachem Reef Advantage Calcium. I've had very good success raising and maintaining calcium levels with that product, although there are similar products made by other companies.

If you're continually having issues raising calcum levels, it may be an indication that maganesium levels are low. I'd suggest testing the magnesium level in your tank. It should be around 1300 ppm.

 

[Omega]

IMO, you should start by testing alkalinity. Low calcium might be an indicator of high alkalinity. Also consider that your calcium test kit might be incorrect. If it does turn out to be correct, you can do water changes and/or add something like Kent Turbo Calcium. If your magnesium is low, also supplement that. Then once everything is at desirable levels, drip limewater or use a two-part.

 

[JDanneker]

Thanks for the info.

Alk is around 9 or 10. I don't test Mag so I'll have to get a kit. I did buy Little Fishes two part but I believe I need to get to the correct level to see an impact.

How often do you add calcium with the drip method? Is this only done when needed? Also, any precautions I should be aware of using this method and at what rate (ie drips per seconds...)

Thanks again.

 

[Amphiprion]

I'll first say that I tried Kent Liquid Reactor myself as I won a large bottle of it at a club function. I was not impressed. It's really a waste of money considering how much of it is required to just maintain levels in a reef tank.

I normally use a powdered calcium supplement, such as Seachem Reef Advantage Calcium. I've had very good success raising and maintaining calcium levels with that product, although there are similar products made by other companies.

If you're continually having issues raising calcum levels, it may be an indication that maganesium levels are low. I'd suggest testing the magnesium level in your tank. It should be around 1300 ppm.

I'd also avoid Kent's Liquid Reactor. There is A LOT of unsound chemistry going on with the product. If that product were to actually work, then coral skeletons and sand would readily dissolve in seawater (which is the exact opposite case). The seachem products are good, as are kent ones like Turbo Calcium. I personally use older batches of Dowflake, which is dirt cheap (and I have over 50 lbs of it).

As far as dripping kalkwasser, most match the drip to evaporation (which takes some experimentation). To begin with, I'd start with 1 drop/sec. Also test pH fairly often in the beginning to prevent overshoot.