Calcium Questions...

[mcdonaldjosh7]

Alright, so even though I have a long way to go before I'll be ready for too much requiring calcium, I still want to start planning this out...

So I have no idea where to go with this. First, I think I need to decide whether to dose or get a calcium reactor...given my limited funds at this exact point, I think dosing is my option...

How do you dose? How often? Where do I buy the calcium to does with?

 

[user 26995]

Have you read any of the write ups in the forum "Reef Chemistry Discussion with Boomer" http://www.reeffrontiers.com/forums/f72/
I learned a lot from the (sticky) Reef Aquarium Chemistry for Beginners Part 1,2 & 3 also Idiot's Guide to Making & Dosing 2 Part .

Personally I am using Kent Marine Tech-CB 2 part calcium/alkalinity. There are many different ways of dosing calcium and alkalinity.

 

[mcoomer]

I wouldn't dose anything until you've educated yourself on what to dose and why you're dosing it. It's not rocket science but a little information will help you figure out which setup and dosing regimen is right for you. I personally dose calcium chloride and soda ash in my tank using a pair of Drew's Dosers controlled by my ReefKeeper Elite. Really easy to setup and adjust. I simply set timers to turn the pumps on for the appropriate amount of time each day to maintain the calcium and alkalinity levels in the tank. As for the supplies, some folks make their own using the various tutorials to tell you how to do it but I simply order my stuff from Bulk Reef Supply. I picked up the dosers, calcium chloride, soda ash, and magnesium from them and periodically I go online and replenish what I need.

BTW...you don't have to use a controller to dose. A simple digital time will work just fine. You just need something that will accurately control the outlet you're using and is easy to adjust.

Mike

 

[returnofsid]

As Mike mentioned, I wouldn't dose anything at all, until you have a full understanding of why you're dosing.

It's about more than just Calcium.

Our tanks need Alkalinity, Calcium and Magnesium, IN BALANCED AMOUNTS

In my signature, you'll find a couple of very useful links. One is to a Randy's DIY Recipes for supplements for all 3.
The other link is to a very useful Reef Chemistry Calculator, which will help you determine a lot of things about your tank, including how much to dose, of each.

In my opinion, while some put a lot of emphasis on Calcium, Alkalinity is just as important, if not more so. Calcium, Alkalinity and Magnesium all work together, in a balancing act. If one is off, it effects the others AND effects the ability of corals to USE the others.

Do a lot of reading, in the Chemistry Forum, to learn how each work, how their relationship works with one another, and how each is used and needed, by our corals.