Balanced Calcium and Alk

Neoz · 02/03/2010, 06:38 PM

Been reading and searching but can't seem to find a graph. If there is one..

The articles I've been reading talk about balancing your Calc and Alk. I was just wondering if there was a graph for desired levels. Or is it as long as your within the desired targets your good? For example I tested my water tonight.

My reading were
Cal = 465ppm
Alk = 6.4dKh
MAG = 1500ppm
Sal = 1.025

I know my Alk is a little low and the target should be between 7-11 dKh. But with my Calc being at 465ppm what should my target for ALK be?

So I'm wondering if there is a graph with all the different targets on them.

toddmh · 02/03/2010, 06:41 PM

I am along for the ride in this thread..I need to learn more about this stuff..

I do hear lots of people with Cal levels above 500 though..

Gary Majchrzak · 02/03/2010, 06:48 PM

Ca above 500ppm isn't necessary and (IMO) isn't desirable.

Here's the article you need to read:

http://web.archive.org/web/200211270...v2002/chem.htm

Gary Majchrzak · 02/03/2010, 06:50 PM

"cheat sheet": punch in the numbers and the online calculator will figure it all out for you!

link:

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

Neoz · 02/03/2010, 07:26 PM

Gary thanks for links. I had those 2 jewels bookmarked already from your suggestions awhile ago. The calculator is great and I use it all the time.

But let me see if I can explain what I mean better. If someones Calc is say 500ppm would it be more beneficial to have your Alk at 7dKh or 11dKh? Or is it really just a matter of hitting the desired targets.

My understanding was say my Calc was at 380ppm so I should target my Alk at 7dKh. If my Calc were 485ppm I should target 11dKh? Is that right or is there no real benefits to that?

Maybe as long as someones Alk is between 7 -11 dKH they are fine regardless of the level of their Calc. Does my rambling make any sense? I'm just trying to fully understand this or am I being to neurotic?

Gary Majchrzak · 02/03/2010, 07:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Neoz

My understanding was say my Calc was at 380ppm so I should target my Alk at 7dKh. If my Calc were 485ppm I should target 11dKh? Is that right or is there no real benefits to that?

correct.
Balanced levels of alkalinity and calcium are desirable in a reef aquarium.
The benefits of being able to provide correct and stable parameters is the amount of sensitive biodiversity one can maintain in their aquarium.

In other words, for Kenya Tree's you don't need to be so precise

02/03/2010, 06:38 PM	#1
Neoz Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Binghamton, NY Posts: 1,582	Balanced Calcium and Alk Been reading and searching but can't seem to find a graph. If there is one.. The articles I've been reading talk about balancing your Calc and Alk. I was just wondering if there was a graph for desired levels. Or is it as long as your within the desired targets your good? For example I tested my water tonight. My reading were Cal = 465ppm Alk = 6.4dKh MAG = 1500ppm Sal = 1.025 I know my Alk is a little low and the target should be between 7-11 dKh. But with my Calc being at 465ppm what should my target for ALK be? So I'm wondering if there is a graph with all the different targets on them. __________________ Dave Live to Learn Current Tank Info: Red Sea Reefer 450 - currently in storage.

02/03/2010, 06:48 PM	#3
Gary Majchrzak Team RC Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Rochester, NY Posts: 41,560	Ca above 500ppm isn't necessary and (IMO) isn't desirable. Here's the article you need to read: http://web.archive.org/web/200211270...v2002/chem.htm __________________ over 24 years experience with multiple types of marine aquarium systems see Upstate Reef Society Forum on RC and FB GOOGLE JUNIOR'S REEF Current Tank Info: 84x24x30 265g reef past TOTM honors

02/03/2010, 06:50 PM	#4
Gary Majchrzak Team RC Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Rochester, NY Posts: 41,560	"cheat sheet": punch in the numbers and the online calculator will figure it all out for you! link: http://home.comcast.net/~jdieck1/chem_calc3.html __________________ over 24 years experience with multiple types of marine aquarium systems see Upstate Reef Society Forum on RC and FB GOOGLE JUNIOR'S REEF Current Tank Info: 84x24x30 265g reef past TOTM honors

02/03/2010, 07:26 PM	#5
Neoz Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Binghamton, NY Posts: 1,582	Gary thanks for links. I had those 2 jewels bookmarked already from your suggestions awhile ago. The calculator is great and I use it all the time. But let me see if I can explain what I mean better. If someones Calc is say 500ppm would it be more beneficial to have your Alk at 7dKh or 11dKh? Or is it really just a matter of hitting the desired targets. My understanding was say my Calc was at 380ppm so I should target my Alk at 7dKh. If my Calc were 485ppm I should target 11dKh? Is that right or is there no real benefits to that? Maybe as long as someones Alk is between 7 -11 dKH they are fine regardless of the level of their Calc. Does my rambling make any sense? I'm just trying to fully understand this or am I being to neurotic? __________________ Dave Live to Learn Current Tank Info: Red Sea Reefer 450 - currently in storage.

02/03/2010, 06:41 PM	#2
toddmh Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: North Tonawanda Posts: 1,976	I am along for the ride in this thread..I need to learn more about this stuff.. I do hear lots of people with Cal levels above 500 though..