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So what am I doing wrong?
- Thread starter ThatGuy
- Start date
The uptake of Ca and Alk, by “stony” type coral, coralline algae, etc. in a reef system is 20 ppm Ca to 50 ppm(2.8dKH) Alk(CaCO3), which is a ratio of 2 pts Ca to 5 pts Alk (2:5). Equal doses of any two part supplements are designed to provide the same ratio's. [FONT="]So, they will all work but, I have found that the brand name products are going to be more expensive. I use one of the BRS recipes. I considered using the Dow flake, etc., but just can't get my head wrapped around the fact that something that is used in your driveway to melt snow and ice is going to be pure enough to add to an aquarium. [/FONT]
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[/FONT]Saturated kalkwasser also contains this same ratio, @ ~ 800 ppm Ca(2pts.) to 2,000 ppm CaCO3(5pts.). Although used alone may not be enough to keep up with your demand. It also has the added benefit of utilizing some of the CO2 in your system, which may help keep your pH in line. Even though I'm using a two part recipe, I also still use the kalk in my dosing regimen.
If you're using a "reef" grade of salt mix, i.e. Reef Crystals, I'd make sure the salinity is right, by measuring it using a calibrated (@35ppt) refractometer, or calibrated metering device. This will ensure you are adding enough Ca, Alk and Mg when you do your WC's. With normal WC's mixed to a salinity of 1.026, I've never had to add Mg, using this type of salt mix.
I would get your Ca and Alk numbers where you want them using your two part solutions. The amount of Kalc is going to be limited by your evaporation, so it's not going to go too far in elevating either your Ca or Alk, and does nothing for Mg.
[FONT="]
[/FONT]Saturated kalkwasser also contains this same ratio, @ ~ 800 ppm Ca(2pts.) to 2,000 ppm CaCO3(5pts.). Although used alone may not be enough to keep up with your demand. It also has the added benefit of utilizing some of the CO2 in your system, which may help keep your pH in line. Even though I'm using a two part recipe, I also still use the kalk in my dosing regimen.
If you're using a "reef" grade of salt mix, i.e. Reef Crystals, I'd make sure the salinity is right, by measuring it using a calibrated (@35ppt) refractometer, or calibrated metering device. This will ensure you are adding enough Ca, Alk and Mg when you do your WC's. With normal WC's mixed to a salinity of 1.026, I've never had to add Mg, using this type of salt mix.
I would get your Ca and Alk numbers where you want them using your two part solutions. The amount of Kalc is going to be limited by your evaporation, so it's not going to go too far in elevating either your Ca or Alk, and does nothing for Mg.
When exactly did you start to notice the downturn of the tank?
What silicone did you use on your sump?
ge silicone i