Low Ca...ideas?

[ptcpilot]

au01st;405935 wrote: You should be able to maintain higher levels if everything else is in check. With an all in one supplement like Purple-Up, you're dosing everything. You may run low, but you're still only putting in a given amount. If you dose calcium and alk separately, you can get your numbers where you want easier.

I have been using Seachem for alk and it is working well. I guess its time to try the calcium too...thanks

 

[ptcpilot]

JennM;405932 wrote: Likely it would. If you don't dose anything for calcium, your level will continue to drop as the existing calcium will be taken up.

If everything is doing well I wouldn't stress too much over the number but I would suggest dosing something like Seachem Reef Advantage Calcium or similar, to try to get the levels up and keep them up.

Jenn

Thanks Jenn...I'll try that

 

[jennm]

A 2 part product set is one way to go - one is for calcium, the other for alkalinity. If your Alk is OK you might only need calcium. Then again, as your calcium is brought up, alk may drop.

You should monitor all parameters and only dose what needs dosing - IF it needs dosing.

Rule of thumb: if you aren't testing for it, don't dose it (and vice versa).

Jenn

 

[ptcpilot]

JennM;405960 wrote: A 2 part product set is one way to go - one is for calcium, the other for alkalinity. If your Alk is OK you might only need calcium. Then again, as your calcium is brought up, alk may drop.

You should monitor all parameters and only dose what needs dosing - IF it needs dosing.

Rule of thumb: if you aren't testing for it, don't dose it (and vice versa).

Jenn

Alk has been causing me some problems but I was able to get my numbers up without any problems. I was alternating calcium supplement and alk supplement so my numbers did not get to far out of balance. I expected a similar increase with the calcium but it didn't happen, that is why I decided to seek some advice. I suspect that you are right as the calcium goes up, my alk will drop.

 

[skriz]

If you find yourself in a see-saw situation, stop and do some large water changes. Water changes will "reset" your water and bring everything back to an equillibrium.

 

[ptcpilot]

Thanks to everyone for your help. I bought some Seachem Advantage Calcium and was able to normalize my calcium level (400+). My alk is also staying stable so I no longer have the see-saw. I will probably be picking up a dosing system soon...thanks again!