Raising Calcium in Salt Water

[axe_man16]

I am looking for the cheapest way of raising my calcium levels of saltwater.

When using IO salt without adding anything my levels are 350. I would like to boost it up to 450. I also have to boost my Mag. I don't have a reliable ALK test kit (should get it this week) but the calcium is what I need to boost the most.

[Aquattro]

I use Seachem Calcium, cheap enough for a 50g drum of new water. Lasts me a while, and it's easy. They even have an online calculator to see how much you need.

[axe_man16]

That is what I am using now. Maybe I will keep using it. I am just about done with this bottle so I thought I would post the question.

Thanks

[Aquattro]

I get mine at J&L, it's pretty cheap and lasts long enough that for the $18 or so, it's not a cost concern for the tank. I think it's also got Mg in it, so added bonus.

[scubadawg]

I just raised up my calcium yesterday, used Red Sea Reef Foundation "A"
Ca/Cr Supplement

[e46er]

I use dry bulk chemicals
I bake baking soda for alk
I get cal from Eli at caco3reef.com
I have mag. From a previous member who no longer sells product and will order from Eli again - very good to deal with quick shipping and good prices!

[FragIt Dan]

Originally Posted by Aquattro

I get mine at J&L, it's pretty cheap and lasts long enough that for the $18 or so, it's not a cost concern for the tank. I think it's also got Mg in it, so added bonus.

I think the Reef Ca is just Ca but the Reef Advantage Ca has the Mg and Strontium as well.


Dan

[Reef Pilot]

Originally Posted by FragIt Dan

I think the Reef Ca is just Ca but the Reef Advantage Ca has the Mg and Strontium as well.


Dan

That's correct. I dose SeaChem Reef Advantage Calcium and have never had to add Mg.

[Aquattro]

Originally Posted by FragIt Dan

I think the Reef Ca is just Ca but the Reef Advantage Ca has the Mg and Strontium as well.


Dan

Yes, sorry, that's the product I use.

[FragIt Dan]

Originally Posted by axe_man16

I was told that if you bake baking soda it will affect PH alot more than if you do not. Any advantages to baking it rather than not?

Baking it converts bicarb to carb. Adding either of these will affect your pH for a few hours, but atmospheric CO2 will react through the water surface with whatever you add to establish an equilibrium between the bicarb and the carbonate (baked bicarb). The short of it... it doesn't matter what you add, in a few hours your pH will end up at the same point. Personally, I add a solution that has about 1 part carb to 7.5 parts bicarb. This works out to 50g carb:350g bicarb in each 4l jug (I use milk jugs). This is the only alk supplement I have used for years and it works out fine for me...
ImageUploadedByTapatalk 21360296295.424494.jpg
ImageUploadedByTapatalk 21360296374.514921.jpg


Dan