thelitone
Active member
Just wondering what is a good cal supplement. Because purple up sucks. It seems to not be working that well.
CALCIUM
- Thread starter thelitone
- Start date
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saltybell
bio balls
If you are going to dose you could go with C balance or B-Ionic 2 part systems. Both buffer PH and add calcium.
Just don't dose them at the same time. There's a couple useful links in my signature. One is to a great reef calculator that will help you determine how much to dose, based on your current levels. The other link is a great link to recipes for Randy Holmes DIY supplements for Ca, Alk and Mg.
Make sure you're testing for Ca, Alk and Mg. Very important, especially if you're dosing for any of them.
Make sure you're testing for Ca, Alk and Mg. Very important, especially if you're dosing for any of them.
thelitone
Active member
I have a ca test and a alk test. No mag test. Cant seem to get my ca above 380-400. 50% of the time its lower. I have yet to hear of the 2 step dose. I will be looking in to that. Thanks for the info guys 
Not being able to get ca up is often caused by Ca and Alk being out of balance. I think it can also be caused by Mg being off. The 3 work together so need to be kept in balance. Once you input your levels in the reef calculator, and then input your desired levels, it'll explain how to get there. It also explains why you're where you are with your current levels. It's a great tool!!
thelitone
Active member
thats cool! Thanks returnofsid. Ill try it. But will my lack of a mag test skew my results?
Youll want to get a magnesium test kit when you can. You want to aim for a magensium level 3 times above your desired calcium level. So for 400-425 calcium youll want 1200-1350 magnesium. Right now your probably at 1000 or lower which would easily cause the problem your seeing.
Why your magnesium is probably low right now:
Most salt brands(instant ocean in particular) are very low in magnesium. When properly mixed IO saltwater only has around 1000ppm mag and 350ppm calcium, so you will need to boost it up with additives. Corals and purple coraline also take up magnesium when they build skeletons, so youll have a constant but low drain on your mag.
Peace
Why your magnesium is probably low right now:
Most salt brands(instant ocean in particular) are very low in magnesium. When properly mixed IO saltwater only has around 1000ppm mag and 350ppm calcium, so you will need to boost it up with additives. Corals and purple coraline also take up magnesium when they build skeletons, so youll have a constant but low drain on your mag.
Peace
Adam Black
More cow bell
I have a ca test and a alk test. No mag test. Cant seem to get my ca above 380-400. 50% of the time its lower. I have yet to hear of the 2 step dose. I will be looking in to that. Thanks for the info guys
I don't see a problem with keeping your calc at 380-400.
First....why do you say it isn't working? Are you trying to get your calcium level up to a certain level and purple up isn't getting it there? If so what level are you trying to get it to? What type of corals are you keeping or want to keep? What size is your tank?
I have done two part supplements, kalk, calcium reactor and it really depends on your system and what type of corals your keeping to decide what supplementation works best for you.
