Adding buffer and calcium

[Damsel13]

Hi,

I have been adding part A and B B-Ionic to my tank as per instructions but the last two days part A as been what I think is called percipitating(?) anyway when I pour it in it turns into little pieces then disolves. What does this mean?
Help:|

 

[Jan]

it means you've reached a saturation point and calcium is precipitating out.

I wouldn't put in any more of the calcium part until you get more information from someone who understands the phenomenon

 

[mmkeeper]

Do you have an overflow and a sump? If so slowly add A part to the overflow. Later add the part B slowly. Anytime you add part A it will cloud up. Precipitating is when all of your stuff gets coated in white stuff

 

[chris&barb]

Hi,

I have been adding part A and B B-Ionic to my tank as per instructions

dont use the instructions on the bottle. when they printed the bottle they had no way of knowing what YOU have in you tank or how fast YOUR usage is. use this to tell you how much to add http://reef.diesyst.com/ and always test for anything you add. if you cant test for it dont add it

 

[james734]

On a side note, What's your current levels. Don't add anything to the tank unless you've tested for the substance. You need to understand the consumption rate of your tank and add additives based upon testing results.

Don't add anything to your tank unless you can test for it. If not you risk throwing all the params out of balance. The goal is trying to create a balance of the substances in the water to match as close as possible the animals nature environment.

 

[Damsel13]

I knew that but I didn't do it. Thanks Chris and Barb and James for saying again don't put anything in your tank you don't test for. I broke that rule. I think it might be a good idea for a 35% water change !

 

[james734]

I'd find out where you're at first with the params. Then if they're really high do water change, but if there not off the charts let it ride just don't add any more additives. Of course do your normal water changes.

If it's not off the charts it'll come back done on it's own as the tank absorbs it up..

Don't feel bad I loaded my tank up one time with calc. I wasn't testing it correctly 1ml vs 2ml of water on the test. After thinking I had a bad test kit I took some water to the LFS store and once I saw them testing (same Test Kit) I knew exactly what I had done. Didn't panic, just rode it and did my normal water changes, It came back down to spec with in a few.

We all makes mistakes, just don't panic and do things fast in this hobby. Nothing good will come of it.

 

[drummereef]

Yes, you need to find out exactly what your alkalinity, calcium, and magnesium levels are. Keeping these in balance is key to avoid overdose or precipitation like you've experienced. Likely there will be a bit of precipitation in the form of magnesium hydroxide as you dose the Alkalinity part. This is normal and won't harm anything. The kind of precipitation you've experienced is from your levels being out of balance. I would do a water change or two and then retest for alk, ca, and mag. Once you know your levels it is advisable to find out your tank's consumption rate in a 24hr period. Then you can use the calculator below to help with dosing. Please use this calculator when dosing any alkalinity, calcium, or magnesium supplement.

Reef chemicals calculator
http://home.comcast.net/~jdieck1/chem_calc3.html

 

[drummereef]

Here's a good article on various forms of precipitation as well.

http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2005-07/rhf/index.php

 

[Damsel13]

Thanks drummereef and welcome to RF . Actually what I was seeing after I put part one of the A and B parts in. Not when I added the calcium. and it didn't settle it just took about 20 seconds to disolve again. It wasn't white it was sort of opaque so maybe it was magnesium hydroxide?

I know I have to get tests for these things...but my husband says we can't even afford for me to get my hair done. I asked him how many times he got his hair cut in a year as that is how long it has been since I got mine done. But I digress.

 

[mmkeeper]

What you were seeing will happen ever time when adding any buffer (b-ionic a).. Read the label it says that that will happen and to wait to add the part b till it is clear. If you pour it into you sump or overflow it will clear entering your display.

 

[drummereef]

Thanks drummereef and welcome to RF . Actually what I was seeing after I put part one of the A and B parts in. Not when I added the calcium. and it didn't settle it just took about 20 seconds to disolve again. It wasn't white it was sort of opaque so maybe it was magnesium hydroxide?

I know I have to get tests for these things...but my husband says we can't even afford for me to get my hair done. I asked him how many times he got his hair cut in a year as that is how long it has been since I got mine done. But I digress.

Yes, if the Alkalinity part 'smoked' upon entry that is normal. Magnesium hydroxide precipitation. The calcium part shouldn't do anything.