Need advice to boost Ca, Mg, alk

[Jay180reef]

I'm passing the 1 year mark of my 180gal reef tank (300gal total volume), I've got about 10 small sps frags, a couple zoas, a few softies, 230lbs of LR, 180lbs of LS and 3 fish.

The Ca, Mg, and alk levels are starting to slowly drop between monthly 20% water changes.

I'm thinking of building a Ca reactor and dripping Kalkwasser, but I want to research and get some opinions before dropping the $$.

What's a good supplement to dose right now? I've heard good things about Salifert All in one.

[HighlandReefer]

Personally, I would start off with dripping kalk at a rate that will keep up with the amount of water that is evaporated each day. I would start with maybe 1 teaspoon of kalk / 1 gallon of rodi water. This may be all you need and it is the cheapest methods available.

What Your Grandmother Never Told You About Lime
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2005-01/rhf/index.htm

Regarding your magnesium needs, I would recommend using Randy's Mix, which would again be the most economical approach:

Do-It-Yourself Magnesium Supplements for the Reef Aquarium
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-07/rhf/index.php

[Jay180reef]

thanks for the tips, I'll eventually get a nice reactor set up.

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

These may also help you decide:

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

[kgross]

One nice thing about setting up a kalk system, is that even when/if you change to a different method, like a Ca Reactor you can still use it. It is a great inexpensive way to go for a low demand system.

Kim