is 440 ok for CA level???

[ronj]

i just checked my CA levels in my tank.. i haven't checked it since i moved back to FL and set up the tank...it used to always be right at 420.. i haven't checked my Alk levels yet.. i have to get a new test kit tomorrow....if my Alk levels are within a good range, is it bad to keep my CA at 440, or should i lower it back to 420????

 

[dailydriven911]

i just checked my CA levels in my tank.. i haven't checked it since i moved back to FL and set up the tank...it used to always be right at 420.. i haven't checked my Alk levels yet.. i have to get a new test kit tomorrow....if my Alk levels are within a good range, is it bad to keep my CA at 440, or should i lower it back to 440????

Lower it to 440 when your current calcium is 440? Not sure I follow but 440 is just fine.

 

[NC2WA]

I have been told and read that an acceptable CA range is between 400-450.
But keep an eye on Alk and pH.

 

[returnofsid]

You CA is fine at 440 as long as your Alk is balanced to it. Alk would need to be at 3.95 mg/l or 11 dkh. A large inbalance between Ca and Alk could cause precipitation.

 

[FraggleRock]

i use ESV two part solution and drip kalk it took awhile to get the alk and cal balanced,awhile I mean 3 weeks. Dripping kalk works wonders on keeping mine balanced. I shoot for 440 myself.

 

[returnofsid]

Kalk can do a good job of keeping your water balanced. However, if you're out of balance and dripping Kalk, it'll put you further out of balance.

 

[ronj]

i actually already have a Kalk top-off setup.. i may cut back on the amount of Kalk powder i use if the Alk ends up being high... my lfs' didn't have the test kit that i needed, so i am going to have to order one