problem balancing Alk and Ca

[kmknoize]

I have a 120 g reef w/200lbs live rock and have been having problems balancing my Ca and Alk, Im testing with aquarium systems Seatest and my readings have are Alk-4 and Ca-495. Im daily dosing with kent liquid Calcium I dont plan on purchasing a reactor yet dont have enough money. Any help on how I might raise my Alk and lower my Ca would be greatly appreciated. Thanks kmknoize

 

[rburn99]

I'm a newbie and don't have my setup running yet so I can't speak from experience but I ran across this article and it seems very informative. It addresses the issue of getting Calcium and Alkalinity back in balance.
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/nov2002/chem.htm

 

[sawyerc]

Get a liquid two part system like Kent's tech CB (you buy part A and part B) or seachem reef advantage calcium with seachem reef builder. Two little fishes also makes a similar product, i beleive. I have always just dosed equal amounts of one of these pairs of products and have never had a problem. They are pretty cheap in large quantities. I dose a capful weekly.

 

[Unarce]

There are some two-part additives (like Kent Tech CB) that will help you balance your calcium and alkalinity levels. It's a costly route at this point considering the size of your tank but it will solve your dilemma in the mean time before you're able to get a reactor.

 

[sawyerc]

You really think that it's all that costly to use a two-part? Am I doing somthing wrong!!? I bought a gallon of each for like 10 bucks when I first setup my tank (4 years ago) and I still haven't finished them. Then again, I have a softie tank so I don't need much extra calcium.

 

[Unarce]

That's a good deal. What brand is that?

 

[sawyerc]

That's the kent stuff. $14.99 for 128 oz of the A and the same for the B from drsfosterandsmith.com.

 

[Mouse]

I use AB Aqualines Gh and Kh +, i think kent makes a KH+ also. a reading of Ca 495 is ok, ive heard of people buying extra reacotors to reach 500+, if you want to lower it, dont waste your chemicals, just let it become used up.

 

[Anonymous]

'Just a thought here, but it could be that the reason why your alk is low as to do with low oxigen in your system.
~wings~

 

[leftovers]

First thing is do large water change before tossing in more chemicals get water in balance from the start

Try simply first such as toping off with kalkwasser and periodic mg dosing.

if that doesnt meet your reefs ca and alk needs try two part and the finally move toward a reactor of some sort. Two parts are expensive long term compared to a reactor

 

[kusanagiz]

i'm getting torn between using Kalk + Buffer vs. just B-ionic.

Can anybody help me put to rest which solution I should go w/ as well as any brand/sites recommended to purchase from?

 

[Anonymous]

I am with leftovers here - an imbalance like yours is prolly due to organic build up in the water, so a big old water change should get them in line. Generally, trying to raise one and not the other is a losing battle.
As to which is better, thats up to you! However, I will say that a reactor is the way to go!

Oh, and what scale are you using for measuring Alk?