Low on the big 3

[bugj51]

So my Calcium, Alk and Mag are kinda low. I have 0 corals and thought getting the right levels would be the best move prior to coral aquisition.

Calcium 360
Alk 7
Mag 1170

I don't dose anything. I picked up some kalk. My understanding kalk is for maintaining levels not adjusting them. What I would like to do is dose some chems (liquid) over a period of time then start dosing kalk as needed. In the future I intended on doing the 2 part thing.

My question is: What are people using to adjust their parameters?

[allan]

0 corals, I'd not worry the calcium just yet. Most tanks will self regulate with regular water changes until you have enough of a calcium load where dosing becomes necessary.

[alton]

Water Changes and Two Part

[Bill S]

How big is the tank? Unless it's BIG, I'd echo the water changes.

[StevenSeas]

I actually wouldnt recomend the water changes to adjust those values it will take a lot to get them where you want them. Based on no corals ifs likely that the salt is low in those levels. If the salt had around 440 ppm calcium doing a 30% water change ( the largest id recommend) the resulting calcium level would be around 384pmm so still not to a good value. After another 30% w/c were at 400.8ppm.... still low so one more 30% brings it to 412.56ppm. So three 30% water changes to still get to a low value.

My recommendation to save you money and time would be to get some supplements that tell you the exact ppm that they will raise your values. And figure out from there how much to dose. Or if you want the easiest way is sign up for a thriveaquatics account amd put your values in and your desired values. It can then calculate for you exactly how much of their products to add. Makes it simple and tames away this shoot from the hip and hope you hit the target phillosphy.

[StevenSeas]

And then once your levels are where you want then add corals. I wouldnt recommend putting corals into subpar levels, you will likely get subpar results.

[Big_Pun]

first how old is the tank? second with zero corals its hard to adjust levels at this point since there isnt anything using them up. the correct way is slowly adjust after you stock your tank and test periodically and see how much your tank is using up and adjust. two part and mag are the easiest thing to use as basic dosing when your ready. B-ionic is nice and easy to use and also use theire mag, just remember everything you read is ideal numbers nobodys tanks stays at those ranges they fluctuate so just aim for ball park, and as time goes on you will develop a system that works for your tank

[Bill S]

I actually wouldnt recomend the water changes to adjust those values it will take a lot to get them where you want them.

Steven, your math is good. That I agree with. Please note that I qualified my "water change" recommendation with a "how big is your tank" question.

For tanks 55 gallons or less, I'd make a wholesale water change. 50% or more. I do this all the time and I've done it for about 40 years. Mix up a whole bunch of water, drain much of the tank, and then add the new gradually over a period of hours. Being honest, my nano gets an 80% water change once a month.

If his calcium is at 360, either he has low-calcium salt, or he's behind in his water changes.

[bugj51]

Thanks for the replies.

Tank is new still, ~2months. It's a 110. I'm using instant ocean for now as I bought a box of it for the initial fill and cycle.

Is the tank too new to even guage these numbers?

[Bill S]

IO is know to be fairly low in Ca, out of the box/bucket/bag. I wouldn't get too wound up over things yet.

[OrionN]

I would not worry about it too much either. Once you have coral in it, I would paid more attention to Ca and Alkalinity level. Bulk Reef supplies sell the 2 parts additive that is really good and it is what I use to keep my Mag, Ca and alkalinity stable. Actually it is 3 parts because they have pre-portioned Ca, Alkalinity and magnesium. You can mixed them in three 1 gallon containers and add the same amount of these additive to tank on regular interval to keep the level where you want it. By far I find this the easiest to use.

http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/aquarium-additives/brs-2-part-calcium-alkalinity-starter-package-pre-portioned.html

[bugj51]

thanks all, im not going to worry about it yet