Raising Alk and Ca

[Gumbies R Us]

Hey everyone. I have a quick question regarding raising calcium and alk. So my alkalinity has been hovering around 7.0 dKH and calcium around 320-330ppm. My question is how do I raise the numbers just a little bit higher? I have a 20g tank, that has no sps in it and the coral has been fine as of now. I’ve heard about using AFR, 2 part dosing, and water changes but I just get a little confused about which is the best method or which would be more suitable for a tank my size and what is currently stocked. Thanks everyone!

 

[tbrown]

I use Baking Soda for alkalinity. I don't have calcium issues - usually up around 490 - so I don't do anything with that.

 

[shakacuz]

BRS calcium chloride for calcium
BRS soda ash(sodium carbonate) or sodium bicarbonate for alkalinity

i use both to dose ALK/CAL to my system based on a dosing calculator(i don't have it on hand because i use another calculator, but hopefully another reefer can link to it). perhaps @Randy Holmes-Farley can link you to it?

 

[PM Corals]

Google reef calculator.

 

[1112-425XL]

I use Brs soda ash and Brs Calcium. Both mix easily in a Gal. jug. I use BRS Calculator on line to determine dose.

 

[Reefer Matt]

With that size tank, I recommend using a salt mix that has the numbers you want. Then do regular water changes. You might not ever need to dose.

 

[Gumbies R Us]

I use Baking Soda for alkalinity. I don't have calcium issues - usually up around 490 - so I don't do anything with that.

Do you have a container with the water and baking soda mixed together or how are you dosing the baking soda?

 

[tbrown]

Do you have a container with the water and baking soda mixed together or how are you dosing the baking soda?

I add it to some fresh water in a small container and shake well and then slowly pour it in front of my return pump. I'm usually only adding a teaspoon or so every week or two.

 

[Gumbies R Us]

I add it to some fresh water in a small container and shake well and then slowly pour it in front of my return pump. I'm usually only adding a teaspoon or so every week or two.

Ok cool cool, that helps a lot!

 

[liddojunior]

while not the cheapest option

Red Sea foundation. It’s like made for dummies. It’s like 1 ml for 1 ppm for 25 gallons. It’s actually so easy to dose

 

[shakacuz]

Do you have a container with the water and baking soda mixed together or how are you dosing the baking soda?

i have a container for each element i dose. usually glass bottles or dark colored jugs to avoid any light from degrading or promoting algae growth if contaminated.