calcium consumption rate, experts only please

Discussion in 'Water Chemistry' started by reef_guru, Dec 17, 2007.

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  1. Jason McKenzie

    Jason McKenzie Super Moderator

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    It's hard to say what is the best course of action. To tell the truth I'm constantly playing with my CO2 and effluent.
    I've found that as a rule of thumb increased CO2 increases ALK while increasing Effluent will increase CA. But at a point this rule falls apart. I'm in constant struggle to keep my ALK up. While my CA stays right where I want it. I've found that simply increase the rate of both has brought my ALK in line while not effecting my CA.
    So my advise to you would be to increase your CO2 and your effluent

    J
     
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  3. reef_guru

    reef_guru Humpback Whale

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    doing a water change tomorrow and will keep the added dosed supp of liquid Ca for now. if the Ca continues to drop then i will increase the effluent flow rate raising the pH to 6.9 out of the second chamber, keeping the same CO2 bubble rate and also extending the on time for the CO2 as needed.

    all systems are different and adjust the reactor according to the tank

    thanks for your opinions, karma for both
     
    Last edited: Dec 17, 2007
  4. Otty

    Otty Giant Squid

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    Did it drop again today?
     
  5. reef_guru

    reef_guru Humpback Whale

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    locked myself in the closet and sat down with a 12 pack
    and found the solution:

    only kept vit, trace liquid supps
    cut back the reactor to 30cc/min @ 6.9 for 12 hrs
    added kalwasser to aatoc 24/7

    consistent current parameters:
    Ca 500
    dKH 16
    Mg 1600
    Sr 40
    tanks pH @ 8.2 day and 8.1 night

    its amazing what a little ingenuity will do
    KISS: keep it simple stupid
     
    Last edited: Dec 20, 2007