Calcium at 340mg now what?

[eagle9252]

I know I’m making this harder than it has to be but this has me confused. I have tested the Calcium and come up with 340mg. This is where it starts to go south. The paper says 400 to 500 and the bottle says 380 to 420. So I’m thinking that I should start to shoot for 400mg to start with simple, right? I have Seachem Reef Complete.

The instructions say to add 1capful per 20gal two times a week.

Well if 1 capful = 5ml/80L ( 20gal) will raise the calcium about 10mg but not to exceed 12.5ml/20gal. that’s 2.5 caps per 20gal. So is it to raise 10mg per 20gal or per your number?

So I need to raise it 60mg assuming 80gal. My system is a 75gal DT and about 25gal water in sump. I originally thought to just add 6 capfuls but is it telling me to add a lot more like 24 caps.

If 1 cap= 10mg per 20gal and I need to raise each 20gal up 60mg that’s 6 caps per 20gal or 24 caps for 80gals. I told you I was making my head hurt.

 

[jimknutson]

You should take it slow. Figure out the total amount to use and spread it out over 2 weeks. Do a 20% water change in the middle.

 

[grouper therapy]

eagle9252;710577 wrote: I know I’m making this harder than it has to be but this has me confused. I have tested the Calcium and come up with 340mg. This is where it starts to go south. The paper says 400 to 500 and the bottle says 380 to 420. So I’m thinking that I should start to shoot for 400mg to start with simple, right? I have Seachem Reef Complete.

The instructions say to add 1capful per 20gal two times a week.

Well if 1 capful = 5ml/80L ( 20gal) will raise the calcium about 10mg but not to exceed 12.5ml/20gal. that’s 2.5 caps per 20gal. So is it to raise 10mg per 20gal or per your number?

So I need to raise it 60mg assuming 80gal. My system is a 75gal DT and about 25gal water in sump. I originally thought to just add 6 capfuls but is it telling me to add a lot more like 24 caps.

If 1 cap= 10mg per 20gal and I need to raise each 20gal up 60mg that’s 6 caps per 20gal or 24 caps for 80gals. I told you I was making my head hurt.

How long has your tank been up?

 

[dme330i]

your calculations look right (24 caps) to get to 400 if the assumptions are correct. Would take it slow, although +30-40 ppm in a day increase can be done without significant impact. To play it safe, I would do the +60 ppm over 3-4 days (normal maintenance dose + 6-8 more capfuls/day over 3-4 days.

What's your alk measurement?

 

[dakota9]

What salt mix are you using?

Only certain inhabitants are reliant on perfect calcium (which is considered to be 420). What livestock do you have in the tank?

I believe you were buffering new saltwater for a waterchange last week, I think studying up on the correlation of Alk, PH and Calcium, and the way that raising one can lower another, will serve you well, and make the hobby more rewarding for ya.

Edit:

Edit:

Edit: Or is perfect calcium level 425?

I think I'm confusing my "supplements"

Hehe

 

[ralph atl]

http://web.archive.org/web/20021127040526/http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/nov2002/chem.htm">http://web.archive.org/web/20021127040526/http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/nov2002/chem.htm</a>



[IMG]http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-05/rhf/index.php">http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-05/rhf/index.php</a>

 

[dakota9]

Ralph, That first link is an invaluable, straight forward article on exactly what the OP
(and many others, even as a "refresher course", needs to read.

Thanks for posting.

 

[eagle9252]

I will answer some question later but I found this. but it LQQKs like i need to test mag and alk at the same time so i have not did anything yet.

 

[johniii]

You are going to take the pleasure out of reefing trying to chase them numbers. If the livestock looks ok. Dont worry so much. Imo. Just enjoy the viewing pleasure and relaxation you get from having the tank.

 

[eagle9252]

I feel like once I get the base line numbers good it should everything else should flow.