How do you supplement calcium?

GrimReefer · #1 03-01-2007, 06:48 PM

For those of you who use calcium supplements, what do you use? I've had a bottle of Aragamilk that I've used with good results. Anyone else use this? I'm wondering if it will suffice as I add more stony corals. I also have Seachem calcium and alkalinity supplements that I rarely use out of fear and lack of water testing. I want something simple, that doesn't require me to contantly test my water to get proper dosage. Any such thing exist?

Pescador · #2 03-01-2007, 07:55 PM

Before my reactor I used a Warner two part supplement. Once you get the proper dosage you just add it daily.

You can also use kalk for your top off if you have enough evaporation.

Aragamilk should not work in theory because calcium carbonate should not dissolve in normal aquarium water. Otherwise the skeletons of corals that they have deposited would dissolve. It might have other benefits in the photosynthetic efficiency of corals. (see article below)
CA reactors use CO2 to lower the PH to dissolve the CAO3.

Check out these articles by Randy Holmes-Farley.
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...hreadid=481425

Moogled · #3 03-01-2007, 09:08 PM

Aragamilk user here too.

TRS · #4 03-01-2007, 09:22 PM

I tried Aragamilk, but found that my Alkalinity had a tendancy to increase. I now use Randy's 2 Part with no problems. The Arm & Hammer Baking Soda is purchased from the grocery store and the Calcium is from my local tire shop.

krisalexander · #5 03-01-2007, 10:02 PM

I use C-balance made by two little fishes company, it is a two part, seems to work really well....

Kris

bubblepuffer · #6 03-06-2007, 09:25 PM

You should talk to or message ChemMaster he sell the food grade good stuff . many user on this board got the reef supplement from him.

SeaHorse_Fanatic · #7 03-06-2007, 09:53 PM

I've been using Liquid Reactor for years.

Todd · #8 03-07-2007, 12:45 AM

Interesting article Pescardor. Thanks for that - will change how I use the rest of my Argamilk!

BCOrchidGuy · #9 03-07-2007, 04:29 AM

I've used Liquid Reactor, I've used Purple up, I've used Turbo Calcium, I've used SeaChem Reef Calcium etc.. all with fair to good results. Now I'm going to try the RFH two part method, I just picked up my Dow Flake and Espom Salts today. If anyone does want to try the RFH stuff, Dow Flake is available at PK Building Supplies in Surrey, not sure of address but they are on 88th and the corner of 189th. A 20Kg bag of Dow Flake was $33 including tax.

Doug

Quagmire · #10 03-07-2007, 05:07 AM

Be carefull with the epsom salts for Mg.If you use it alot you will raise your sulfate.This is from a RHF article found here:

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-07/rhf/index.php

1. Epsom salts (USP grade magnesium sulfate heptahydrate) is readily available in drug stores and is fairly inexpensive. The problem is that if this were used to raise magnesium by a large amount (or a small amount several times) the aquarium water would become enriched in sulfate. This enrichment may not be a problem for some aquaria, especially those using salt mixes already deficient in sulfate, or those that employ frequent water changes. Nevertheless, Epsom salts alone is not an ideal magnesium supplement.

Check out chemMaster he has a Mg additive that will work for you at a good price.I think its Magflake,but you will have to ask him.