/ Register

  1. Do you have an old account but can't access it?


    See Accessing your GIRS Account or Contact Us - We are here to help!

ALK and CA depletes rapidly, seeking advice.

Discussion in 'General Discussion' started by PotRoast, May 17, 2012.

  1. PotRoast

    PotRoast Well-Known ReefKeeper

    999
    Ratings:
    +24 / 0 / -0
    I guess my tank has hit a tipping point where the Ca and Alk demands exceed the rate at which my calcium reactor operates.
    I am wondering what to do about it.
    1. Increase the output of the Ca reactor? Currently I run it at 100 drops per minute with a steady stream of effluent (6.7 ph output) This seems like a lot to me. Is anyone running their Ca reactor 'faster'?
    2. Continue supplementing every two weeks? Currently I am meeting tank demands by dosing BRS CA and ALK dry powder supplements every two weeks or so. I always follow directions which means it may take three days to bring the ALK up safely. Total pain in the ***.
    3. Buy a doser? I'm not sold that these things are reliable. How much maintenance is involved with dosers?
    4. Kalk reactor? Not sure how much kalk I can safely dose in addition to my Ca Reactor. Is there a Kalk calculator out there? I would prefer to run a calk reactor using direct feed top off water. (I know dangerous...) If I go this route can I saturate all my top off water with calk or should it only be some, a little?
    Anyone out there with a big tank that can give me some advice?
     
  2. Actuary Well-Known ReefKeeper

    705
    Adel, IA
    Ratings:
    +145 / 1 / -0
    I would try lowering your pH in the Ca reactor a bit first. I noticed a huge boost in alk and ca output as I decreased the pH from 6.7 eventually down to 6.5.
     

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.