cal and alk additives

[pjwperth]

Hi randy and anyone else with any info could you please tell me what to add to my tank to raise cal and alk levels someone at my lfs told me it was the reason behind why my corals arent doing so well and why it is taking so long for my base rock to form coraline algae is this true:confused:

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

It is true if the levels are too low.

The first step is to get calcium and alkalinity kits and see what levels you have. Raise one or both if necessary using calcium chloride and/or baking soda as described in this article:

Solving Calcium and Alkalinity Problems
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/nov2002/chem.htm


Then pick a balanced calcium and alkalinity additive system for ongoing maintenance of these levels, unsing one of the systems described in this article (you can use other methods, if you prefer, but these are the best, IMO):

How to Select a Calcium and Alkalinity Supplementation Scheme
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/feb2003/chem.htm

[aquababy]

I use the Bionic two part sytem. One is to raise the Ca and the other to rase the ALK. Instructions on the containers enable you to add the right amounts to raise your levels to where they should be. There are other ways and other products used to raise these levels but I am happy with Bionic and have been using it since they started in business..

[pjwperth]

thanks randy will get tested soon as possible and post results

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

That sounds good, and I agree that B-ionic is a fine product. :)

[pjwperth]

randy also using red sea marine success trace that contains the following elements:
l,Mo,Zn,V,As,Ti,Ni,Cr,Mn,Co,Se,W,Ge,Ag,Bi,Sb,Sn,Nb,Be,Au,In,Y
does this effect anything and also it worth using
using 5ml a week in a 38gal tank less with lr and sand .Directions say 5ml a week in 30 gal

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

I wouldn't use a combination additive like that. There is no evidence that you need most of those, and you may already have too much of some of them. There is no known biological use for some of them. :)

[pjwperth]

My friend who has a similar setup just slightly larger but less rock uses this and red sea vita and his tank is cutting sick all his corals are thriving and multiplying like theres no tommorrow only other difference is the fact he uses fluros instead of mh

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

It is very hard to compare aquaria as there are actually many differences that may not be apparent, but almost no one that has stopped such a mixed additive has seen a negative result.