How do I raise my Calcium levels properly

[InfernoST]

I need to raise the Calcium level in my tank, currently Calcium 360-380 with the DKH at 11 and PH=8.3. I want bring the calcium up to 450 without the use of a reactor and without my alkalinity dropping thru floor and with little or no affect on my PH. How can I accomplish this?

 

[h2o]

By dosing B-Ionic 2 part evry morning

 

[mr_X]

yeap..b-ionic.

 

[Mreefer]

you can change your salt to one containing a higher concentration of calcium or simply add seachem's reef advantage calcium.

 

[InfernoST]

h2o & mr x thanks for the info I'll pick some up tomorrow.

Mreefer I'm using regular IO at the moment but did order up some reef crystals which is coming next week. I still have about 90 gallons of IO mix left and need something to carry me till the tank is completely swung over to the RC. Thanks for the help

 

[seascape]

+2 to guys above but also as a bit of advise if your levels are real low dont raise them quickly raise them slowly over numerous days you dont want to shock the system.RJ

 

[InfernoST]

Thanks for the heads up.

 

[SharkLover]

I use 2 part and juggle between both keeping alk stable within +-1.0 value.

 

[Awibrandy]

inferno, I use IO and I don't have a problem with low calcium. And I had not dosed anything until last week when I dosed a little mag. I don't think your salt is the issue. What animals do you have, and what size tank?

 

[InfernoST]

I have a 120. Currently the only thing in the tank are 9 turbo snails, 2 emerald crabs, 5 nassarius, 7 hermits and 1 small orange monti cap frag. The tank had contracted ICH so my fish are in QT going thru hyposalinity treatment for the past 3 weeks and that list is as follows 2 firefish gobies, 1 flame angel and 2 true percula clowns. The tank just past the 3 month mark and am experiencing some algae growth in the following colors, purple, pink, green (Diatoms have slowed down a lot), There is no slime or hairy algae all of it is pretty solid.

 

[KathyC]

What is your Mg reading?

 

[InfernoST]

What is your Mg reading?

Kathy, Unfortunately I don't have a test kit for Magnesium. I'm guessing that should be next on my shopping list.

 

[InfernoST]

Update

I picked up B-Ionic 2 part and started with the prescribed dose for now and the calcium is up to 400 and DKH is at 11. Thanks for the advice and help. I'll probably back off with the B-ionic when I start using the reef crystals and see what happens to my levels. Also ordered a mag test kit which should complete my array of testing equipment.

 

[SevTT]

I picked up B-Ionic 2 part and started with the prescribed dose for now and the calcium is up to 400 and DKH is at 11. Thanks for the advice and help. I'll probably back off with the B-ionic when I start using the reef crystals and see what happens to my levels. Also ordered a mag test kit which should complete my array of testing equipment.

Two-parts are great for adjustments but expensive for maintenance. You might want to look into setting up a cheap kalkwasser drip once you get that Mg test. (So long as you drip your kalk into a highly aerated water flow -- mine goes into the water right next to my overflow -- and your pH isn't significantly out of whack, kalk will maintain Ca and Alk -- or at least help reduce your use of pricey two-part. )

 

[InfernoST]

Two-parts are great for adjustments but expensive for maintenance. You might want to look into setting up a cheap kalkwasser drip once you get that Mg test. (So long as you drip your kalk into a highly aerated water flow -- mine goes into the water right next to my overflow -- and your pH isn't significantly out of whack, kalk will maintain Ca and Alk -- or at least help reduce your use of pricey two-part. )

Thanks for your input, I'm using B-Ionic 2 part on interim basis until I can start using the reef crystals. If the RC doesn't give me the levels I'm looking for then I'll go with a kalk drip, I can definitely see the 2 part reaching into my pockets.

 

[Dre]

Thanks for your input, I'm using B-Ionic 2 part on interim basis until I can start using the reef crystals. If the RC doesn't give me the levels I'm looking for then I'll go with a kalk drip, I can definitely see the 2 part reaching into my pockets.

I hate to say this but if you what long term success you will be reaching much further down in your pocket.I would recommend investing in a ph monitor before you buy a mag.test kit.Adding b-ionic cal/alk will raise ph so be very carefull with this stuff.Last but not least do lots of research before you buy any equipment or chemicals.

 

[InfernoST]

I hate to say this but if you what long term success you will be reaching much further down in your pocket.I would recommend investing in a ph monitor before you buy a mag.test kit.Adding b-ionic cal/alk will raise ph so be very carefull with this stuff.Last but not least do lots of research before you buy any equipment or chemicals.

I've been testing for PH, ALK, and Calcium every night since I have started dosing B-Ionic, the calcium is up to 420 (My goal is 450) from 360, DKH is up to 9 from 7 and the PH has held steady @ 8.3. I'm only going to continue the calcium part but still test for all 3.

 

[Dre]

I've been testing for PH, ALK, and Calcium every night since I have started dosing B-Ionic, the calcium is up to 420 (My goal is 450) from 360, DKH is up to 9 from 7 and the PH has held steady @ 8.3. I'm only going to continue the calcium part but still test for all 3.

Do you have your tank on a reverse cycle?Meaning...The lights are on during the night and off in the day.I'm curious because you say you test ph,alk at night . Normaly ph levels fall when the lights go off or at night.
Therefore your ph should be at it's lowest in the morning .Whenever the lights comes on or if you have sunlight coming through a window in the morning ph should begin to raise. Is best to dose in the morning when ph is at it's lowest and test during the day or 6 hours after the lights come on.

 

[InfernoST]

No I don't have it on a reverse cycle, I test the water at night before the lights go off and am dosing 1st thing in the morning at 4am. I'll do a PH Test now, it's 4:442am it's 8.3.