Calcium additives

[dschflier]

What is the difference between all the products used for adding Calcium to the tank. I understand that automation is easier but chemically what is the difference between Kalkawasser, calcium, dow flake and all these other products? I also understand why lowering the PH with the carbon dioxide helps so I am not asking that, just curious about the different products.

[dbartco]

kalkwasser - calcium hydroxide (lime powder)

dowflake, prestone heat - calcium chloride (need the carbonate second part)

reactor arm, shuran - calcum carbonate disolved with co2

 

all will release calcium ions into the tank, it just depends on what form and what other ions it introduces, and in what ratios they are put back. i.e reactors with addition of co2 don't put back perfect amounts of calcium and carbonate ions, which is why many use multiple addtions to keep everything balanced.

 

I'm sure some person that is better at finding a RHF lamen's example will post the link and explain better and with more time....

[Rascal]

All you want to know: "How to select a calcium and alkalinity supplementation scheme," by RHF.

 

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/feb2003/chem.htm

[jamesbuf]

So even with a calcium reactor, people still add supplements? I thought that with a calcium reactor, all that is needed is regular water changes. Tagging along.........

[toastiireefs]

im also tagging along! just cuz no one likess a million posts about the same thing

 

ok so im gonna need to start Kalkwassering soon!

not too soon but when i get corals

 

at the zoo we just add " this much *insert width of index finger and thumb in C form*" haha tahts what we call it. but the tanks are so big generally that it doesnt make a HUGE impact if added correctly.

 

but my tank is so small and i dont want to over dose and i dont have a calcium reactor to control....

 

how is it done?

[Rascal]

So even with a calcium reactor, people still add supplements? I thought that with a calcium reactor, all that is needed is regular water changes. Tagging along.........

 

James:

 

Can't speak for others, but this is what I do. For me the calcium reactor handles the bulk of the ca & alk demand. I could easily adjust it to handle all of the demand, but I also use Kalkwasser for top-off, mainly to maintain PH. The only time I use 2-part is when I am dialing in my calcium reactor (ex- after changing media). When I do this I generally start very conservatively (better to underdose than overdose), test every day, make small adjustments, and use 2-part to make up the difference in the meantime.

 

at the zoo we just add " this much *insert width of index finger and thumb in C form*" haha tahts what we call it. but the tanks are so big generally that it doesnt make a HUGE impact if added correctly.

 

but my tank is so small and i dont want to over dose and i dont have a calcium reactor to control....

 

how is it done?

 

Test. Add a little. Wait a day. Test. Adjust the amount added up or down as needed. Wait. Test. Adjust. Wait. Test. Adjust. Wait. Test. . . . . Get the picture?

Edited December 13, 2007 by Rascal

[toastiireefs]

thanks!

 

i should prolly read that article again- though ive read it a bajillion times over