Buffer?

[Reef Monkey]

For the past two weeks or so my calc has been holding strong in the 400-420 range, I've been using Kent's Turbo. I haven't added any sort of buffer and my PH has been holding steady at 8.3 and my alk has been around
10.5 dkh. Should I be adding the Kent Superbuffer anyway, or since everything seems to be in check should I only use as needed?

 

[DonW]

No just test regularly. Chart the consumption and dose as needed.

Don

 

[Ed Hahn]

Awesome! Jeff write down your weekly consumption on a notebook for reference. When you add corals or clams your consumption will change. But right now a steady log book will help you regulate your needs. Its always good to have Calcium, buffer and magnesium on hand. But remember when dosing to do things moderately or as slow as possible. A drip sytem is a awesome way to dose elements. You will see most of the successful farmers around you either using dosing machines or a drip system. You have learned not to test imediately after adding anything (You wait at least 4 hours before testing). You are definitley on the right track. Keep up the good work.

 

[dnjan]

It is generally not a good idea to use calcium chloride (turbo calc) as your only calcium addition if you have a significant calcium demand, unless you are doing regular (and large) water changes. In addition to adding calcium (which is consumed), it also adds chlorides (which aren't consumed). With nothing consuming the chlorides, they accumulate and eventially get your salt out-of-balance.

Most people use either kalkwasser (calcium hydroxide, sold as kalk or calc) or a calcium reactor (also adding calcium hydroxide, by disolving calcium carbonate) for general supplementation, and use calcium chloride for periodic adjustments if (and when) necessary.

 

[mmkeeper]

This might help you. http://www.reefnerds.com/ChemPlot/ChemPlot.html

 

[Boomer]

Wrong link keeper

http://home.comcast.net/~jdieck1/chem_calc3.html



Good posts there guys