CA at 520

Discussion in 'Water Chemistry' started by vs_118, Aug 5, 2009.

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  1. vs_118

    vs_118 Plankton

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    Hey All,

    This is my first posting so first off hello and I have learned a great deal for everyone. Now to the problem at hand. Currently I have a high CA, it is at 520. I know that it is not that high but I would like to lower it to about 420. Below is some information about the tank..

    Salinity- 1.023
    Mag- 1260 but I am working my way to 1350
    ALK- 9
    Nitrite - 0
    Nitrate - 20ppm
     
    vs_118, Aug 5, 2009
    vs_118, Aug 5, 2009
    #1

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  2. lunatik_69

    lunatik_69 Giant Squid

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    I wouldnt worry about 520ppm, it will get consumed by your corals, assuming that you have corals. But in the event that you still want to lower it, raise your Alk to 12(SLOWLY), that will counter act the Cal.



    Luna
     
    lunatik_69, Aug 5, 2009
    lunatik_69, Aug 5, 2009
    #2
  3. JJK

    JJK Teardrop Maxima Clam

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    Throw in a potato. Oh wait, that's for soup that's too salty.

    Are you supplementing with calcium? If so, the obvious solution is to do a partial water change and not supplement. If you are using calcium-enriched salt, maybe consider a water change using regular salt like Instant Ocean. The water changes will help you lower your nitrates too.

    I don't know of any chemicals that will selectively remove calcium from an aquarium, though. Maybe others here do.
     
    Last edited: Aug 5, 2009
    JJK, Aug 5, 2009
    JJK, Aug 5, 2009
    #3
  4. steve wright

    steve wright Super Moderator

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    Im sensing purple up in this equation?

    what mag levels do you have?

    Steve
     
    steve wright, Aug 5, 2009
    steve wright, Aug 5, 2009
    #4
  5. lunatik_69

    lunatik_69 Giant Squid

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    You must have missed his original post.

     
    lunatik_69, Aug 6, 2009
    lunatik_69, Aug 6, 2009
    #5
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  6. Crimson Ghost

    Crimson Ghost Blue Ringed Angel

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    Hmm, sounds a bit like a bad test kit. I would have expected your Mag to be lower. But no worries, the calcium will be consumed as mentioned. Don't have any snow in the tank do you (calcium precip)
     
    Crimson Ghost, Aug 6, 2009
    Crimson Ghost, Aug 6, 2009
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  7. pstroh

    pstroh Plankton

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    High Calc. values have no impact on your tank except for balancing your other additives. If the calc. reaches a value this way too high you will get the snow that Chrimson mentioned.

    Live sand will keep your calc. levels high for quite some time. Also, make sure you use a dosing method that balances all your parameters. I like Oceans Blend. For now, just dose your other values and not the calc. It will level itself out over time, it will happen much quicker if you add a clam or two.
     
    pstroh, Aug 6, 2009
    pstroh, Aug 6, 2009
    #7