my Ca wont get past 300.

[Chad Vossen]

im having trouble getting my Ca to go above 300. i have dosed 8-10ML of C-balance (both A & B) and its just not going up. i have a crap alk kit and my ph kit says im at 8.4.



i think my problem is simply that i dose alk along with the calcium. i think that maybe my alk is already high and as i add more, it precipitates my calcium.

im going to do a wimpy 5 gal water change on the 65+ gallon system to see if anything improves. also, will useing Kalk help or make things worse? im currently searching the local stores for some Mrs. wages pickling lime but so far no luck.

i figured i would ask everyone to see what others opinions are. just incase im totally off on what i think i know and am about to do something wrong lol.

does chaeto algae take up Ca?

[gogregerson]

Fleet Farm always has Mrs.Wages in stock. As far as dosing, if the water turns milky when you add your cal or alk your percipitating out. Make sure when you dose A & B your doing it seperate, meaning giving it time to disperse before adding the next part. Also if you Magnesuim is low you'll never get proper Cal & Alk levels.

[David Grigor]

Depending on where your alk levels are at, you can just add the part B to get them back in sync. If both ALK/CA are low then you need to up your daily dosages to make it rise. Good idea to verify your MG levels too. You salinity will also play a role in how much CA/ALK can hold, so be sure your in the 1.025-1.026 range.

I'd probably skip the Kalk for now and rise your levels with the 2 part, then resume your Kalk to help maintain.


I'd get some Mississippi Lime from Ryan vs. the Mrs. Wages. It has less impurities in it and just as cheap.

[Redwinger]

My bet is your Mg is way low. If your alk is in check and your Ca will not rise it is usually because your Mg is way now. I would bet your Mg is around 1100 if you can test for it.

[Chad Vossen]

now i just need to save money to buy a Mg and a new alk test kit. arg lol.

my coral load is very small right now. but i must admit i have been doseing in the same area. ill do my water change today, and see where this leaves me at.

[REEFSTOCK]

the Mrs. Wages. It has less impurities in it and just as cheap.

Who tested this?

Thats awsome, I got to talk to Ryan soon too! :biggthumpup:

[REEFSTOCK]

a48, test a fresh batch of salt water, that will give you a... hmm I have no way to say what I am thinking... but... me thinky good idea!

:lol:

[David Grigor]

Who tested this?

Thats awsome, I got to talk to Ryan soon too! :biggthumpup:

No test just visual. I used Mr. Wages years ago and the undissolved in the bottom of the bucket was grey as compared to white. No big deal though as the impurities don't get administered to the tank just settle at the bottom.

Having used ESV for the last 5 years, I can't really tell the difference when 20lbs is $30 from Ryan vs. $125 for 25lbs of ESV, I'll take it......

[REEFSTOCK]

Oh, right, you have posted this before... :)

Absolutly, I sure hope this is the newest latest greatest for Ryan, because it sure is awsome for us :)