Low Calcium level

[lyz77]

My tank have been running for about 4 months. Since day 1, I have observe low Ca, KH and Mg. I am using Skimz salt and I do weekly water change of about 15% using RO/DI water. Last month, I start dosing Two Little Fish Part A & B and Mg. So far, I manage to keep my Mg around 1350ppm and KH fluctuate between 8-12dKH. As for Ca, it is always below 380ppm and I can never seem to bring it above that.

Can anyone advise on a solution to this? Dosing Kalk?

Thanks in advance!

[ytpmzy]

http://www.seachem.com/Products/product_pages/ReefCalcium.html

I don't know much,but I am planning to use this.

[lyz77]

http://www.seachem.com/Products/product_pages/ReefCalcium.html

I don't know much,but I am planning to use this.

Will it increase KH? I come across some product where the Ca you dose will increase KH. I am afraid while it solve 1 issue, it may create another.

For me, I am clueless right now as in why my Ca is still low since I already raise both my Mg and KH.

[ytpmzy]

Will it increase KH? I come across some product where the Ca you dose will increase KH. I am afraid while it solve 1 issue, it may create another.

For me, I am clueless right now as in why my Ca is still low since I already raise both my Mg and KH.

Have not tried ... Hope someone comes by with the answer haha ... Maybe if I get it soon I will let you know

[diki88]

skimz salt is a little low on calcium thus when u do a water change, your calcium lvls could drop.

if not, just add a little bit more Part A.

Dosing kalk will bring both ur Ca and Kh up simultaneously.

[diki88]

http://reef.diesyst.com/chemcalc/chemcalc.html

for ur calculation. they have TLF two part for u to calculate.

[rebbot]

Hey there, i used to have the same problem too. It seems like your MG is already at good levels, but KH is fluctuating too much. I remember reading KH and CA share the same space and there is an ideal proportion, thus more KH equal less CA and vice-versa.

I suggest to keep dosing part a and b in equal amounts and they should even out eventually. I started with 15ml per 25gallons and tested every week. I finally ended up with 20ml of part a and b per 25 gallons, which gave me good values after 3 weeks of dosing. In between water changes, the parameters got even closer to what i wanted to achieve.

Hope that helps!

[superbee]

May I know what test kits are you using to measure your KH & CA? What type of life stock are you keeping? Personally I find that two part dosing is abit difficult to control and maintain KH & CA. I use calcium reactor to maintain and 2 part for abit of fine tuning.

Actually IMO, you should minimize the fluctuation, swing between 8 - 12dkh is really bad. You don't need to try too hard in achieving the ideal parameter, those are just for guide, instead let the parameter settle themselve, look if within the acceptable range(be it on the lower end or higher end), if they are, just make sure they are constant. Look at how your life stock react to them, if they are comfortable just leave it. Remember you need some patient in this hobby.Thing will turnout nice. Happy reefing!

[lyz77]

Thanks bombom and rebbot for your advise. I finally manage to get the Ca to the level I want by using CaCl2 powder.

Hi superbee, while I understand that you meant well by highlighting that this hobby require patient, but I think you are merely judging a book by it's cover. Let me share with you how patient I am with my tank setup. I have been cycling my tank since Jun 2014 using dead rock which I boiled and leave it to dry for close to a month. I oni hv a pair of clown fish and feather worm which I introduce in Dec last year. I did not stock up any more coral as I wanted to stabilize my water parameter which is why I am seeking advice from this forum.

I think everyone is here to learn and share experience so let leave personal comment out. Cheers!

[rebbot]

Thanks bombom and rebbot for your advise. I finally manage to get the Ca to the level I want by using CaCl2 powder.

Hi superbee, while I understand that you meant well by highlighting that this hobby require patient, but I think you are merely judging a book by it's cover. Let me share with you how patient I am with my tank setup. I have been cycling my tank since Jun 2014 using dead rock which I boiled and leave it to dry for close to a month. I oni hv a pair of clown fish and feather worm which I introduce in Dec last year. I did not stock up any more coral as I wanted to stabilize my water parameter which is why I am seeking advice from this forum.

I think everyone is here to learn and share experience so let leave personal comment out. Cheers!

Wow, you are certainly patient with the long cycling and controlled addition of live stocks. Kudos to you, mate!

[lyz77]

Wow, you are certainly patient with the long cycling and controlled addition of live stocks. Kudos to you, mate!

Thanks bro... wanna be a responsible reefer and not just buy and dump things into the tank without understanding the consequences. Once again, thanks for your tips and happy reefing!

[Dez Ching]

So adding Ca will increased KH?
I have no idea why after I added Ca, my LPS corals started to react funnily. Elegance corals tenacles shrunk!
Could it have been the reason?