without a calcium reactor???

[fuzz1974]

A question for those who don't have a calcium reactor. How do you maintain your calcium levels??


I am using Tropic Marin bio-calcium, which I like. However, after getting new lights, and feeling more comfortable with my tank, I have been introducing SPS, and a clam. Now I find myself adding real close to a half cup per day. Which in turn spikes my alk for a bit ( which doesn't seem to harm anything) I am looking for a way to maintain without adding so much everyday.

I tried the kent marine liquid calcium, didn't get much out of it. Any input would be great.


Fuzz.

[bluemantr]

Kent Turbo calcium is very good product. I am very happy with it.

[shag26272]

look into a 2 part supplement, that way you can dose alk and CA separately, check the reef chemistry forum

[drummereef]

I use Randy's 2-part suppliment. Easy to make and is dirt cheap. Costs me less than 20 bucks a year to make/use the stuff. Check out these articles to find out more on the subject:

How to Select a Calcium and Alkalinity Supplementation Scheme
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/feb2003/chem.htm

An Improved Do-it-Yourself Two-Part Calcium and Alkalinity Supplement System
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-02/rhf/index.php

And a lot more here:
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=102605

[TomRep]

Yeam I use Randy's two part as well and have no problems. I'm adding 2/3c. to my 120 to maintain my alk at 9 dkh. I have a gravity fed 4 gal auto top off. I have it marked down to 1/4 gal (1 quart) incriments. Now that I know how much evaporation I get per day, I add that 2/3 c. alk buffer to that top off water. Alk. never fluctuates. Just figuring out how I'm going to add my calcium and keep that stable now.
tom

[IslandCrow]

2-part is certainly the way to go. I've recently started using Randy's recipe referenced above, but I've also used ESV and been very happy with their product. To make things simpler on myself, I also picked up an auto-doser. Of course, with what I spent on that and the cost of the supplements, I wonder if I would have been better off with the reactor in the long run. The system takes care of itself, though, and once I got it tweaked to my tank's demands, it's kept my calcium and alkalinity very stable.

[reverendmaynard]

I use kalk for maintenance and Randy's 2-part for adjustments and magnesium.

[fuzz1974]

thanks everyone



Fuzz