Use of "Buffers"

[JDanneker]

I have a 72g SW aquarium that has been up and running since early Oct 2006. After cycling, my chemistry has been consistent (SG 1.022 - 1.023, pH 8.2 - 8.4, Hardness 9 -10, Ammonia, Nitrite and Nitrate at 0).

I started adding some corals (1 - colony of Green Star polyp, 1 - Xenia, 1 - Candy Cane, 1 - Leather Mushroom, 1 yellow polyp and 1 - Spaghetti Leather) over the last few months. I am trying to bring my calcium level up from 360 - 380 to 400 -420. My lfs recommended Kent's Liquid Reactor which I have been using fairly regularly. However, my calcium level stays about the same.

In addition, I have been reading some articles and it appears that aquarium water gets "tired" (my layman term) around the 6 month mark. I was thinking of using Kent's Superbuffer dKH to prevent any pH drops and maintain my water quality consistency. Note: I do a 10% water change weekly and use Instant Ocean's Reef Crystals.

I tend to be conservative in adding chemicals. Can anyone share their experiences with these products or types of products?

Thanks!

 

[fsn77]

Our 90g reef has been up and running almost a year now. I find myself frequently dosing calcium and alkalinity buffer to keep up with the consumption by our corals (frequently as in almost every other day). I follow the label directions for dosing and have yet to have a problem related to the use of these products. I use Seachem's Reef Advantage Calcium and Reef Builder. I also use Reef Crystals, changing water at the same rate as you (although sometimes it's every 10 days instead of once weekly). I have a bottle of Kent's Liquid Reactor that I won at a raffle recently, but I haven't tried it yet.

 

[Fishieness]

what salt are you using? you shouldnt have Ca or ALK problems with that coral load if you are using a quality salt and doing weekly water changes.

 

[JDanneker]

fsn77 - Thanks for the reply and info.

fishieness - I am using Instant Ocean Reef Crystals. At this time, I don't think I have a problem but want to raise the ca level. Also, was thinking of using the buffer as a preventative measure.

Thanks!

 

[Germanman]

i have a pretty heavy load of corals so i have to dose a lot but i use the Kent dkh as well as the tech-cb buffer to maintain my levels and it works great for over a year now. i used to use other stuff before that and it didnt cut it to well.

 

[JDanneker]

Germanman - I appreciate the feedback. Thanks!

 

[starman]

Dunno about you guys- but over here we use kalkwasser (builders lime or pickling lime) for Calcium/Alkalinity supplementation- or if you really want to use a 2 part additive- baking soda (same stuff as kent marine buffer) for alkalinity and damprid (calcium chloride- solid version of your liquid calcium supplements.

Cheers,

Daniel

 

[cullyisgully]

i use the buffer in my pic on the bodem of my page. my alk and cal is at good livel. 450 ppm

 

[JDanneker]

To all, thanks for the info.

 

[Germanman]

dont use b-onic buffer system...it leaches aluminum into the tank and doesnt work as well as other buffer....i got the rep of the company that makes it to confess that back when i worked in the trade. use up what u have but switch later