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question about calcium

Y

youpey

since i now have some corals i bought a calcium test kit and reef complete in case i needed to dose.

when checking my calcium, i got about 480 or 490. when looking at the instructions it said it should be 400 to 425

i havent dosed anything, but i did a water change 2 days ago.

how often do you guys check, and if my numbers stay that high, should i not worry about dosing, just keep up with my water changes?

this dosing business is new to me. also with my calcium being as high as it is, should i switch salts right away to bring that number down?
 
dnov99

dnov99

FRAG SWAP VENDOR
What brand of test kit did you get? Alot of them of very innacurate. I doubt your calcium is that high with any supplements.
 
radiata

radiata

NJRC Member
Besides Calcium, you also need to test for Alkalinity, as the two are interrelated. Here's a great article by Randy Holmes-Farley:
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/nov2002/chem.htm
You need to plot a point on his graph, based on the calcium and alk test readings, and take appropriate action (if needed) based on what sector the point falls into.
You should also consider testing for magnesium - stoneys need both calcium and magnesium for growth.

Hope this helps...
 
Y

youpey

my alk was good, it was at 9 (german units?? i dont know what its called)

i didnt know i should test for magnesium. the site liveaquaria says frogspawn (only stony coral i have) should only need calcium, stromium and trace. the dosing i got does calcium, magnesium and stromium. i will pick up a magnesium test kit soon. i dont want to kill something that could easily be prevented with a simple test

http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=597+321+519&pcatid=519

this is the doser i got
http://www.thatpetplace.com/pet/prod/198679/product.web

the test kit i got was the salifert test kit for calcium
http://www.thatpetplace.com/pet/prod/203781/product.web
 
Y

youpey

yeah, if i can get my water tested, maybe i could bring some by sometime. i am not sure i am doing it right

i havent dosed anything yet.

also, i am not sure i am doing it right. when i check it, i have used almost the entire syringe, maybe a couple of drops left.

is the doser i got no good? i did some research, and it said the one i got is everything i need

this is what is says
site said:
Reef Complete also includes magnesium and strontium in amounts proportionate to typical utilization ratios (100:5:0.1, Ca:Mg:Sr). This allows one to maintain these two important elements while maintaining calcium.
Click to expand...
 
dnov99

dnov99

FRAG SWAP VENDOR
I think that Seachem supplement is meant to raise CA in times that you need to boost your CA levels. If you add just that you will drive down your DKH, that is why you need to dose the 2 part. Give me a call when you have a chance and I will explain further.
 
Y

youpey

ugh, i just checked the seachem site and it says i should also use reef builder for alk. ::)
http://www.thatpetplace.com/pet/prod/198658/product.web

maybe i should check the manufactures site more often.


it says use reef complete on day 1, reef builder on day 2. i think its probably the same thing that was just pointed out to me. UGH, i am so mad at myself. i am going to see if the LFS has it because i dont want to pay for another shipment


before i do anything though (including dosing) i have to figure out why my calcium is as high as it is. i am going to check it again friday and monday and see if it goes down. although unlikely, maybe the weekly water changes will be enough. my alk is fine now and my calcium is a little high
 
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