Do softies need calcium?

[Damsel13]

Do animals like mushrooms and xenia need calcium? I have hammerhead coral and that looks like it has a skeleton. What should my calcium reading be for a sofie tank?
Thanks in advance.

 

[CarlaW]

This is just my opinion, for whatever this is worth, but I would keep it between 380 and 400, that is close to NSW levels. JMHO

 

[Rod Buehler]

Softies dont use calcium, (but your hammer (euphyllia) will.) Your calcium should be at 380-450 (420) and Alkalinity at 8 (2.9) Since they work with/against each other and alkalinity levels are as important as as clacium levels, its important to monitor both.

 

[Damsel13]

I just used some kalk paste to kill my 4 (the ones I can see) aiptasia what if anything does this do to the Alkalinity level? Usually my Alkalinity runs about 8.4. To be honest I have a salifert test kit for clacium but I haven't used it yet. I think today is the day. Also my lfs (a good one) gave me some rubble to grow my pink pom pom xenia on and I am ready to trade with him. I either want to trade them for a test kit or a monti C. frag.

Any suggestions would be very welcome

 

[CarlaW]

May not effect your alk a bunch, but watch your Ph, kalk is about 13 on the Ph scale.

 

[Damsel13]

if I understand correctly pH has to do with gas exchange and the oxygen in the water?
Perhaps I should leave the close fitting canopy off for awhile. I live in S. California so my windows are open and the air is good.
Would this help with Ph?

 

[CarlaW]

What is the Ph of your system now Deb? Are you saying that you have the glass top on your tank? If so, I would remove the glass, and yes, this will help with gas exchange.

 

[Damsel13]

right now my pH is 7.5 I don't know if this is good or bad. I removed the cover and increased the disruption on the top of the water.
Bye the way how is willis? My dog (male) is Buddy he likes the cooler weather here it had been really hot and DRY here before like 5% humidity NO I am not kidding. So anyway my dog is feeling better.
Unfortunatly I don't understand the connection between alk and Ca.

 

[twilliard]

Uh oh Deb
you are walking in the realm of confusion to a Lot of people when it comes to this Cal/Alk relationship.
Go to Boomers thread and read the stickies. Read them slow or you might get confused.
That PH is low. I would look to raise it
You will see an improvement in your tank when the chemistry is balanced

 

[CarlaW]

That is a low Ph, Deb. I usually try to keep the Ph at between 8.0 and 8.2.

I never understood the correlation between Ca and alk either until I talked to Mojo one day. Believe me, this explanation has been dumbed down so a guy like me can understand this. You ready?
Living coral = tissue
the tissue is 2 cell layers deep
calcium inhibits cell division
each cell has an internal pump that pushescalcium to the outside layer of the cell. Alkalinity binds to the calcium to lay skeleton and allows tissue growth.

Now I know that this is a simplified approach, and somebody is probably gonna fry me for posting this, but such is life. This came from a guy who I think really understands this whole hobby better than any of us!!!

 

[mmkeeper]

This tool might help you. Along with getting and keeping Ca/Alk balanced you need to maintain your Mg level at 3X your Ca. http://www.reefnerds.com/ChemPlot/ChemPlot.html

 

[Damsel13]

ok I did my first Ca test using Salifert test. I read 495. I do not dose my getto tank. Can someone please tell me what this means?
Thanks in advance

 

[CarlaW]

What salt do you use? That does seem a little high for not dosing anything.

 

[Damsel13]

I use water from scripps that comes from San Diego. I have used the same water for 6 years. As I said this is the first time I tested so it may be my error. What is the best for a 55 gal. with 55lbs. live "live' rock under 192w cf?

 

[CarlaW]

I like NSW levels Deb, I always tried to not push the envelope as far as any of my levels went.
NSW ca levels are from about 380-420. I always had my best results there.

 

[Damsel13]

what could be causing that higher level of Ca? I only use rodi or distilled water to top off and the nsw. maybe I should test the nsw?

 

[CarlaW]

Deb, I would retest your tank and make sure that you are correct in what your readings are, and go from there.
I hate to say this, but, make sure you are following Saliferts instructions also.

Sorry

 

[Damsel13]

Good Advice. I will do that!