Raising Calcium

[cotter4601]

What should I be using to buffer up my calcium? Is Reef Builder by Seachem good?

[Holmie_D_Klown]

Do you need a calcium only booster or do you want to increase both calcium and alkalinity?

[cotter4601]

I use Kent Super Buffer to boost alk.

[Randall_James]

Reef Builder seems to be a good product, (at least is mixes and disperses easily)

I personally do not like buffers and so I steer away from them.

What are your current levels at? (CA and ALK) You may not have a need to supplement these items in your tank yet. Light calcium demands can be met just with water changes.

Never dose what you do not test for :)

[cotter4601]

I know that. After my last water change my CA was about 320ish. I had a minor mishap and my alk went through the roof. So I haven't been adding any alk buffer lately until I get it back down through water changes.

[Craig Lambert]

You should check your magnesium level before trying to raise calcium. If it's low it will prevent you from reaching your target level. Magnesium should be in the 1200-1350 range. Once you raise your calcium and have Calcium and Alk at the desired levels you should maintain it by either dripping Kalk, or adding a daily 2 part sotution like b-ionic.

[cotter4601]

Looks like I'll start with testing Magnesium first. How would I boost it if it needs it?

The reef builder stuff says it will: Raises and maintains carbonate alkalinity (KH) without impacting pH. Supplies bioactive calcium, magnesium, and some trace elements for corals. Contains time-release ingredients, including chelating agents, to make essential elements biologically available.

[Craig Lambert]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9052426#post9052426 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by cotter4601
Looks like I'll start with testing Magnesium first. How would I boost it if it needs it?

The reef builder stuff says it will: Raises and maintains carbonate alkalinity (KH) without impacting pH. Supplies bioactive calcium, magnesium, and some trace elements for corals. Contains time-release ingredients, including chelating agents, to make essential elements biologically available.

I use b-ionic magnesium to boost it. I use IO salt which is low in both Mag. and calcium. Here is a calculator to help you:

http://home.comcast.net/~jdieck1/chem_calc3.html

[Randall_James]

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-02/rhf/index.php is a 3 part mix, CA/ALK/Mg

[cotter4601]

Will the reef builder stuff work with CA? I currently use reef crystals.