What do you recommend for an additive to stabalize pH, Ca 2+, and Alk?

lessans · #1 05/29/2007, 07:29 PM

I'm trying to find a system of additives to use on my reef tank to maintain stable pH, Alk, Mg, and Ca 2+. I read Randy Holmes-Farley's article and I'm ashamed to say I've been using a pH buffer and Alk buffer w/o any regards to the Calcium ion level in my tank. I read in his article that it's better and safer to add a two part Calcium ion and Alk additive than using buffer salts. I already own Kent Marine Tectra-CB Part A & B, but never really noticed a difference when I used it. I have no SPS, one LPS, and several soft corals. What additive would you recommend?

Here are my levels as of 2 minutes ago:

Ca 2+: 380 ppm
pH: a little less than 8.0
Mg: 1275 ppm
Alk: 7.7 dKh

I'm still skeptical of using kalkwasser b/c I'm limited in space for a dripper within the stand and I'm still trying to figure out if I would drip dose or dissolve a small amount of lime in a pitcher of top-off water every time I would replenish the water in my system. Also, I can't figure out if it would be easier to just add a 2-part additive like B-ionic, ESV, or Warner Marine. Please give me any advice.

KEstep · #2 05/29/2007, 08:04 PM

I would find a way to drip Kalk. It is the best thing there is. I would try to supply it via drip to replace evaporation. You can add magnesium if it gets low but the kalk will help with all the rest. Most of the tanks I care for ONLY use Kalk and nothing else.

KEstep · #3 05/29/2007, 08:05 PM

BTW I didnt mean add Magnesium to the Kalk solution. I meant you can supplement that to your tank separately if you need it.

lessans · #4 05/29/2007, 09:21 PM

Thanks. You know what they say, "If there's a will, there's a way."

drummereef · #5 05/29/2007, 10:39 PM

There really is no "best method" honestly. I use Randy's 2-part homemade supplement. It works great and is very inexpensive to make/use. I dose small, measured, amounts daily and it keeps my alkalinity and calcium rock solid.

An Improved Do-it-Yourself Two-Part Calcium and Alkalinity Supplement System
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-02/rhf/index.php

Keeping your pH stable is a whole other issue. As you know, pH buffers are not a good long term solution and will cause more harm than good in most cases. Acceptable pH is 7.8-8.5. It sounds like you hover on the low end of the spectrum. Excessive CO2 is usually the cause of depressed pH. The easiest solution is to open some windows and let some fresh air in. Randy's recipe #1 will also raise your pH slightly and is meant for tanks whose pH is on the low side.

Low pH: Causes and Cures
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-09/rhf/index.htm

It's your decision in the long run what you want to use to supplement your alk/ca/mag. I find, as well as many, that the 2-part works wonders. Others swear by kalk. Either way, they are acceptable means to keeping your levels ionically balanced. Hope this helps.

drummereef · #6 05/29/2007, 10:47 PM

Also, the key to 2-part is to know your tanks demand on alkalinity and calcium. Preferably in a 24 hour period. That way you will make measured, daily additions. Once you know your tanks demand you should use this calculator to help in dosing the proper amount.

Reef chemicals calculator
http://home.comcast.net/~jdieck1/chem_calc3.html

Bonebrake · #7 05/29/2007, 11:34 PM

Drip kalkwasser. It is amazing.

ocnluvr · #8 05/29/2007, 11:55 PM

IF your really interested in going deep into corals, start figuring what your tank uses daily, alk, ph and ca. But if the money low and your coral stays min. just do frequent water changes, they seem to keep it much in balance. I just have to add CA once a week.

morbius18 · #9 05/30/2007, 12:06 AM

The less additives and technology that you have to depend on the better off you will be.
How are you testing your PH, a probe or the liquid tests? If you are doing frequent water changes and have good circuation your pH shouldn't be depressed, especially if you have been adding buffer which neutralizes the acidic buildup which lowers the pH.
Kalkwasser is excellent for maintaining ph, adding calcium and helping buffer.
Me, I just use CaribSea aragaMIGHT! for both calcium and buffer. I'm going on 7 months now with no problems. Calcium 480, 9dKh and pH 7.2. Thats all that I use, 2-3 times per week and water changes.

drummereef · #10 05/30/2007, 12:10 AM

morbius18, please tell me that's a typo with your pH.

"7.2"

morbius18 · #11 05/30/2007, 12:19 AM

sorry 8.2

, Its getting late

lessans · #12 05/30/2007, 12:55 AM

I try to do weekly 15% water changes, but sometimes I miss a week. If that happens I make sure to perform the next water change the following week. Usually I do water changes on the weekends so it's easy to remember when I did it last. I use Tropic Marin Pro-Reef salt mix for my replacement saltwater.

rdnyva · #13 05/30/2007, 07:45 AM

Don't mean to hijack your thread but I have a related question. I use Randy's 2 part recipe #1 with great results. ALK is 9.6, calc 400 and steady. I supplement mg about once amonth to keep it at 1300. My question involves PH. I have ph swings from 8.05 just before lights on to 8.23 just before lights off. Is this too much of a variance? It's not a CO2 issue as I have my sump remotely located in the garage and gets plenty of fresh air. Thanks in advance.

lessans · #14 05/30/2007, 10:58 AM

Where can I find Randy's 2 part recipes #1 and #2?

drummereef · #15 05/30/2007, 11:36 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by lessans
Where can I find Randy's 2 part recipes #1 and #2?

It's all right here...

An Improved Do-it-Yourself Two-Part Calcium and Alkalinity Supplement System
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-02/rhf/index.php

drummereef · #16 05/30/2007, 11:39 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by rdnyva
Don't mean to hijack your thread but I have a related question. I use Randy's 2 part recipe #1 with great results. ALK is 9.6, calc 400 and steady. I supplement mg about once amonth to keep it at 1300. My question involves PH. I have ph swings from 8.05 just before lights on to 8.23 just before lights off. Is this too much of a variance? It's not a CO2 issue as I have my sump remotely located in the garage and gets plenty of fresh air. Thanks in advance.

No, that's fine. I asked Randy the same question about pH swing. He said that even an immediate shift of 0.2 would be OK as the internal pH of the animal would be able to compensate for the external pH shift. Usually upon addition of Randy's #1 alkalinity part I get a shift of roughly 0.2.

rdnyva · #17 05/30/2007, 01:06 PM

Thanks Drummer, makes me feel better. Didn't know if I had to make some adjustments or not. I get an immediate upward shift upon adding alk part of about .10 to .12 to about 8.15 or so, then it slowly drifts back until the lights come on and then starts to rise. I always dose at 7AM.

drummereef · #18 05/30/2007, 01:28 PM

That is totally fine. The 2-part also give you a little extra kick-start in the morning when the tank needs it. No worries.