Another Chemistry Question

[demodiki]

I am sure this has been covered many many times. I beg your indulgence.

My 55 gallon has 340 calcium and 9 alkalinity.Ph is steady at 8.2.

I only keep a few shrooms, zoos and rics. I have been thinking of adding some easy LPS. No plans for SPS, clams, etc.

Now, my question is....are these levels okay? I know the calcium is low but does it matter in a tank with these types of corals? If I need to raise calcium, what is the easiest and safest way to do that?

I use IO salt and I change 10 gallons weekly. I do not add any supplements.

TIA

[Jimnorris]

IMO I think you are fine. What kind of salt are you using? Asking is the path to knowledge. I have asked thousands of questions and continue to do so.
Jim

[matt]

You might add a little calcium chloride; AKA turbo calc. The trick would be to bump up the calcium without lowering your dkh or ph. Even though you're only using soft corals, you still have a calcium and carbonate drain, which could be significant if you have a good amount of light. (more light=more growth=higher calcium demand) Coralline algae will extract calcium from your water as well. 340 is not too far below natural sea water levels but in an aquarium typically you run the calcium a little higher to account for the usage by your animals.

[NaCl_H2O]

Got to agree with Jim, your parametrs are fine for what you plan to keep. Increasing your WC amount to 15g might drive the Ca up slightly, but really it is fine.

[JimD]

As long as youre consistant with water changes and dont allow your levels to deplete, Youll be just fine.

[Jimnorris]

Sorry I see you are using IO salt. There are some different salts that have higher calcium levels. But I think IO is just fine for your requirements.
Jim

[demodiki]

Thanks guys. I do appreciate the advice. I just noticed that one of my rics split. Something is going right in there :)

[Wryknow]

You may want to consider adding some Kalkwaser, or lime, to your top-off water to boost your calcium levels.