What should I purchase???

[gcantu]

Should I purchase the "B-Ionic Calcium Bicarbonate System" or the "B-Ionic Calcium Buffer System". I want to add calcium to my system without having to purchase a calcium reactor. Which one do YOU use?

Thanks,
George

[GaryP]

Both.

One is for calcium, the other for alkalinity. Both need to be added in a balanced way to get coral growth. You also need to be testing for both to make sure your levels are where they need to be. If they get out of balance it can take a while to get them back.

Its called a two-part system. You need both calcium and alkalinity for coral growth. Alkalinity sures other roles as well, including maitaining pH.

[gcantu]

Thanks for your quick response. I am still a little hazy on the topic.

When I looked it up on the Marine Depot website, I saw that they have the "Calcium Buffer System" and that it comes with two bottles. But I did not see one that says "Bicarbonate System". Are they entirely two different products (4) bottles total or is it one product with (2) bottles, one bottle the "buffer" and the other the "bicarbonate"??

Thanks

[LoneStar]

Water changes and BIonic work great! Like Gary said, test your water levels often. Buckle down and test once, perhaps twice a day for two weeks and record it in a log. That should give you good data to see how often you need to add a calcium/alk supplement. Then you can make small adjustments to adjust levels. Eventually it will be like clockwork ;)

[GaryP]

Yes, they are two products in two bottles that work together. They have to be shipped, stored and added seperately or they will precipitate in the bottle, or in your tank.

[gcantu]

Cool, Thanks!

I just ordered the Buffer system 64oz, (2) bottles 32oz each, through Marine Depot.

[ATMgueedo]

It is by far the best additive Ive ever used on my tank. I see the best results the quickest. Good buy!

[GaryP]

Before you start dumping it into your tank, take some time to figure out the best way to add it. One clue, pouring it in straight from the bottle probably isn't the best way. You can end up making some very expensive sand that way.

[gcantu]

That was going to be my next question. I have one of those IV type gravity feeders. Do I just pour it in there and then allow it to drip over time? And if I do decide to do this, can I simply mix both formulas in one and drip it or should I drip one in then the other at a later time? How do you all do it?

[hobogato]

cant mix them-they will react and form a precipitate. you have to add them seperately. you could use the drip method for the part one (alkalinity control) and pour in the part two in a different part of your tank as needed.

[GaryP]

Or better yet, get another drip container and alternate dripping them in. Its easy to make a drip container. I have two of them that I made from ice tea jugs. I also like to dilute the additive with RO water. It helps disperse it better and helps with make up water.