Calcium

What would be the most effective and cost efficient way of dosing calcium in my 75 gallon reef ?
Keep in mind I want to limit the amount of (A) new equipment and (B) attention needed to accomplish this goal.


Thanks , I know its a broad question and I really am not trying to start a huge debate but after all the research I did I feel like my brain (and wallet) are about to burst so I figured I just ask for help.

 

I feel the most cost efficient way is to purchase your calcium from bulk reef supply. Dose with your top off water if you manually add it.

 

Well I use an ATO system....I wonder if I could dilute it into that water?

Thanks 2in10!

 

+1 to this

But I have just started dosing small amounts of calcium, and am using Seachem Reef advantage. I am only dosing half of what is suggested because I simply don't have that much depletion(lack of corals). I mix it in a measuring cup with RO/DI freshwater and slowly add it at night. And Salifert test kits are the best I have found as far as accuracy goes.

 

since you use an ato kalk would be a good way to maintain your Ca.

 

+1
signature line states mixed reef
Kalk would be a good option for delivering a balanced Calcium and Alkality ratio

so providing your parameters are within tolerance to start with, Kalk would be a good 1st choice

if on the other hand your Calcium is low, but your alkalinity is within tolerance
then a Calcium supplement to bring it back to correct level
and thereafter supplementing top off with Kalk would be a good option also

Steve

 

Bulk reef supply cant beat the price follow the directions I have been manually doing for two weeks large tank small amount of corals but it is easy to do.

 

Thank so much for the help.Looks like Im about to learn about Kalkwasser!

 

Here's a lot of good info about Kalk
What Your Grandmother Never Told You About Lime by Randy Holmes-Farley - Reefkeeping.com

And an inexpensive DIY dripper for Kalk, even though you can add it to your existing ATO.
A Simple DIY Kalk Dripper by Agu Luuk

 

This is kind of related...I dose Calcium and Mag on a weekly basis, liquid supplements right now in my water change supply, but never have to dose a buffer. My Alk stays stable, kind of high (12 dkh). I use Reef Crystals, and will continue until my salt supply runs out. Newly mixed saltwater gives me Alk of 12 dkh, Cal of 400, and mag of 1220. I raise my calcium to 450, and my mag to 1320 before water changes. I have pH swings from 8.08-8.19 daily. I am curious why other elements are depleting regularly, but Alk isn't.

EDIT: I dose Brightwell Aquatics Part A (Calcium) and Magnesion supplements. I do weekly 5 gallon water changes (25 gallon TWV).