best way to get calcium and alk in my tank

[phantomg23]

I was thinking a 2 part, but think that kalk may be a better/easier option until i get loaded with corals. I know i will need to dose mag either way. what do you think?

[downbeach]

If you keep your SG around 1.026 and do regular WC's, you probably won't have to dose Mg. Using Kalk is a good idea, but ultimately may not keep up with your demand, since it's limited to how much you can add to your RO/DI water, and your evaporation rate. There are a few different delivery methods you can use, i.e. ATO, drip, dosing pumps, etc. I started to use kalk when just WC's were no longer sufficient to keep up with demand, and still use it, although I also need to dose two part. It's a good balance of Ca and Alk, and will utilize CO2 in your system, which helps keep your pH up.

[Fragtastic Reef]

How large of a tank do you have? That would depend on what dosing method will work best and how big of a coral load you have on the tank.

[phantomg23]

40 breeder. Ill probably use kalk for the first year or so until the corals really get going, then ill switch to 2 part

[insomniac2k2]

Kalk until you need something more. Most people go years with just kalk. Cheap and easy.

[PanicATTACK187]

I started using Kalk and have been happy. But Kalk doesn't raise calcium or Alk just helps maintain it. BRS 2part is A cheap quality product you could use to help get your levels up. But Don't dose unless you are able to test for calcium Alk levels, over dosing is bad.

[jkobel]

Although I'v been in and out of the hobby for about 7 years i have never had a really stable tank that is cooking along for a significant amount of time. Its time to change that.

Is it possible to get some basic info here on Calcium, Alk, Kalk, etc...? I have a 75 gal that is just about 3 months old (just CUC in there now) and when testing my Calcium its about 410 so hoping to get that up. However, i keep reading stuff about Ca, Kalk, Alk and to be honest...it all is written for/by people that seem to already know lots about it.

Feeling a little lost on the subject but realize its important so as much specific info as possible would be greatly appreciated!

thanks in advance!

[downbeach]

Here's a couple of good articles:

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-06/rhf/index.php

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2005-01/rhf/index.php

[jkobel]

Thanks Downbeach. those seems like great articles...although, for some reason the server seems to be down :(

[cugly]

Its a good idea to start on a dosing regimen with 2 part or calcium reactor depending on size of tank even if your just starting your tank..get it stable..once your ready to corals specially sps your tank is ready it would be easier to adjust it according to your demand of the tank..goodluck and happy reefing. .
Also magnesium will be a big factor for alk and calcium to be balanced..