Loads of stupid questions here...

[Michelle50]

Ok, first let me warn I am new to the hobby and know very little about all this..

Stupid question list..

1. If my calcium tests in the normal range (420) when I test it, why should I add it?
Yes, I've done some reading on it, it all sounds pretty in the books, with all the chemistry equations and stuff but makes little sense to me. The LFS makes my RO/DI salt water and they state that the salt they use contains calcium..just thought I'd throw that in.

2. Is calcium the same thing as Kalk?
I've read on this board people talking about limewater, is that Kalk and what does that do for your tank that is different from calcium.

3. If I should start to dose calcium, how should I do it? And no, I don't have all the dripping stuff. Can it be added to your saltwater, before a water change or to your topoff water?

4. Iodine? I just added a cleaner shrimp, I've read they require iodine. Does this mean just plain old iodine like they used to put on cuts or something else? And how much to dose?

Like I said I'm new. Be patient with me, and I know you have paticence or you couldn't do this hobby.

Thanks,
Michelle

 

[EmilyB]

Michelle,

I haven't had a need for additives. I do frequent water changes. Iodine is controversial as it cannot be measured accurately. I have six cleaner shrimp who seem to be fine without it for years.

If your Ca and Alk are in balance, and you can maintain with water changes, that is great. As one gets more into SPS, clams, etc. the load is greater, also depending on tank size.

Always, the greatest rule, if it ain't broke, don't fix it !

 

[eodjj]

Most saltwater mixes contain "trace elements" which include iodine. It's true that iodine is next to impossible to test for. Just keep up on the water changes and you should be fine.
JJ

 

[kanapino]

Michelle,

First off no question is stupid. Everyone on this board first had to find out what to do and when, and weren't just born with the knowledge.

1. Calcium needs to be added only because the animals we keep use to build and grow and simply a water change won't replenish this daily loss. Also the point is to keep the calcium at a balance within the range of 400 to 450mg/l(ppm).

2. Kalk is referred to often on this board as calcium and limewater. Kalk is the German name for lime, like lime deposits on your sink or limestone(aka. Kalkstein in German). Kalkwasser and limewater are exactly the same thing.

3. How you dose calcium is a decision based on your needs and budget. Also what type of animals you are planning to keep or are keeping will dictate that.

4. As for the iodine, like the others said it is controversial and just doing water changes regularly will help keep it in balance.

LOL

B,