Calcium

[cdub]

I'm looking into getting a clam for my tank and I was wondering what the best test kit is to use. Also if my calcium is low, which i'm sure it is, what is the best way to keep it in the "green" in your opinion?

I know i'm going to hear get a calcium reactor, but I don't have the space to put one in my sump and cabinet.

Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[cameron]

Kalkwasser (pickling lime is essentially the same thing and you can get it at your grocer cheap) in the topoff is probably easiest assuming you have an automated topoff. Otherwise two part solution which you can get cheaply at http://www.twopartsolution.com">www.twopartsolution.com</a>.

For dosages this link should help:

[IMG]http://home.comcast.net/~jdieck1/chem_calc3.html">http://home.comcast.net/~jdieck1/chem_calc3.html</a>

Test kits use Salifert. I believe it is what you will find most of us use.

 

[simon_kruger]

Cameron is correct, that will help.
You also can use Calcium Chloride to increase your level. Its usually in a granular format and can be purchased from most LFS.

 

[pbyrmartin]

This is one of the best test out there for calcium

http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewItem.asp?idproduct=SF1115">http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewItem.asp?idproduct=SF1115</a>

I use the B-ionic two part dosing system

I am not into the mixing part of this process, I know that will ony last for a little while

 

[darren24]

You will also need to test for and possibly supplement Magnesium. If your Mag is low you will not be able to maintain good calcium levels.

 

[george]

You want to get a test kit that uses titration. Both the Salifert and the Seachem calcium test kits are titration tests.

If you are a newbie to dosing calcium, I strongly recommend Seachem's http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewItem.asp?idproduct=SC1393">Reef Advantage</a> because it contains Magnesium and Stronium and it's relatively chemically "fool proof" to dose since it doesn't affect other factors like pH and Alkalinity which dosing Kalk and Calcium Chloride do.

If you're just new to clams and familiar with calcium dosing methods and concerns, pick your favorite.

Also, if you are new to dosing calcium, I'd avoid doing Kalkwasser until you've read and understand all the effects. I love it and use it in my tank, but if you don't understand the process and its limits, it's a very easy way to nuke your tank.

 

[cameron]

Rep points for George! Good post.

 

[cdub]

so it looks like the easiest way to keep my calcium up is to dose the reef advantage, followed by the two part solution.

i'll be getting the salifert test kit for Ca, alk, and Mg later this week to see where my starting point is and make a decision from there.

any other tips out there?

 

[jessezm]

Cory--come over and help me this weekend and I have a free salifert Ca test kit for ya, and maybe even a Mag, too (save some big bucks!). Also, Carsten Denson, the hardware store a few blocks from your flat, has Mrs. Wages pickling lime real cheap--it's what I use for Kalwasser top-off. With a few very small changes you can turn your fresh top-off into a kalk-top off. I'll explain when you come over! I need someone with an engineering degree to help figure out the lift set-up for my canopy...

 

[schwaggs]

If your alk, calcium and magnesium are too far out of whack, it is better to fix them by doing several medium sized water changes. You can spend lots of time and money chasing balance that can be achived quicker and easier with water changes.

BTW, you will be assimilated into the calcium reactor club eventually if you are serious about keeing calcium hungry animals

 

[jessezm]

Schwaggs;28810 wrote: BTW, you will be assimilated into the calcium reactor club eventually if you are serious about keeing calcium hungry animals

True that, and I don't know what you're talking about--there's plenty of room for one behind your tank!

 

[jgoal55]

If you are going to buy your Salifert test kits soon I highly recommend heading over to Aquabuys....one of the club sponsors...

Sam is the guy over there and he really helped me out with everything I needed. It was a pleasure doing business with him and I will without a doubt look to him when I need anything before heading anywhere else....

Thanks Sam.

As for the test kits themselves....I was using a test kit from Hagen for calcium that I bought in a bind at petland...it was ok but hard to tel when the color change happened and therefore I would say it is an inaccurate test.

The salifert test kit that Lee recommended I use is super simple.....you'll love it.

good luck.

 

[pbyrmartin]

Agreed, this test kit could not be any easier
I have been using it for years and would not use any other.

Anyone ever talk to the Sam over at Aquabuys about changing is Store hours
It seems he is only open when most people is at work
I need some salt mix but unable to pick it up.

 

[cdub]

jesse i could swing by early saturday afternoon.

speaking of water changes i do 25 gallons every friday, so hopefully i should be fairly well in balance.