Noob trying to understand dosing for Calc and Alk.

[pikemartin]

I understand everything about water chemistry but cant seem to grasp the relationship of alk and calc. As far as coral in my 29BC I only have 2 heads of frogspawn. However, I want to add brain maze, and plate shortly. I have a calc test and the testing shows 380 to 390. How do I go about raising Calc? Simply just add it? I assume you guys will ask me about the Alk but I don't have an alk test. Can anyone just simplify the relationship between calc and alk for me? Thanks

[er1c_the_reefer]

380-390 is fine if you're doing water changes normally. if you want to bring it up, just add calcium chloride.

 

simply put, the relation between calcium and alkalinity (assuming alk as carbonate only) is this: raising ca only will lower alk and raising alk only will lower ca.

 

 

 

addendum: alk will affect pH, depending on which solution you're using.

[Trolldoll]

Here is a link to a good read

http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2002-04/...ature/index.php

This one shows you how to make your own.

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-02/rhf/index.php#5

[pikemartin]

thanks guys!

[The Propagator]

buy an alkalinity test kit, as well as a magnesium test kit.

Test for Calcium, magnesium, and alkalinity.

Then you will have an idea of where everything is at and whats going on with consumption rates in your tank.

 

Other wise its like peeing in the wind. All you'll end up with eventually is a wet face.