I've been trying to raise Ca+, and Alk. who's using Piclking lime?Baking soda?Borax?

Just tested my Ca with a new test kit.

Salifert this time.

390

my old API was reading about 320, only hours apart.

Now, which one is actually right? I'm leaning toward the 390+ one.

 

Salifert for sure.

 

Most likely the Salifert. Check the manufacture date on the API kit. It is the stamped code above the label. Older kits it is the manufacture date, newer it is the expiration date. Kits are only good 3 to 5 years from their manufacture dates. Also API's Ca is not as good as Salifert's.

 

I'm getting close to where I want the Ca+, other params seem OK.

When I get it in the 400's byh adding stuff several times a day- then I'll maintain it with smaller doses of the kalwasser and some baking soda.

My plating Monti's really seem to have started to grow more since I started the dosing- they are the easiest to see the difference.

 

Be prepared for needing to increase the dosage for a while before you find a sweet spot. The corals go crazy at first when they get what they need.

 

Thanks for the good advice!

 

Today- new Salifert Ca- 450!
Salifert Mg- 1300
API Alk- 9
It's working

 

The big thing on Ca a couple of years ago was pickling lime,(Mrs. Wages) however, it is getting harder to find, without extra spices added in.

 

You raised your tank from 390 to 450 in a days time?... Thats not a good idea....

IMO Todd you should really just use a premade 2 part solution... For example if you are using road salts you dont know what metals may be in that mix as well. Two part solution is cheap and goes a long way, plus its also guaranteed to be pure. And have you been using the buffers I gave you? Those would be the most effective for maintaining Alk and PH levels. The PH buffer also has lots of trace minerals in it.

 

Thanks Robman- Piggly Wiggly around here has it for about $3 for a 1 lb. bag! The pure stuff! None of that street middle man cutting things into it! LOL

I may just get the two part, and no, i haven't used the road salts- yet anyways. And yes, I'm using some of the buffer you gave me too.

My orange Monti Cap is growing so fast, I can just about see it grow!