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Calcium is critical in the
formation of skeletal structure of corals and the growth of
shells in many marine organisms. Coralline algae, live rock,
and aragonite substrate are all made up of, and consume, in
varying degrees, the calcium within your aquariums water.
Since we are enclosing vast amounts of marine life within
the walls of our aquariums, and don?t have an ocean?s worth
of water, calcium is an ion that is depleted very rapidly,
and is a never ending process to maintain!
The process by which calcium is used in seawater is best
described and displayed within our aquariums. Take note of
warm objects within our aquariums, such as pump impellers
and the glass on some heaters. Over time you may notice a
build up of a solid white substance on those objects. Since
the calcium ions are attracted to heat, the result is a
precipitation of calcium carbonate onto the warm surfaces of
the aquarium, which results in this residue.
Coral skeletons use vast amounts
of calcium. Their skeletons are utilized to extract calcium
which is used in many medicinal calcium supplements found on
pharmacy shelves.
The demand for calcium in your
aquarium will largely depend on what types of animals you
wish to keep, and will increase as you continue to introduce
calcium dependant livestock. Stony corals and clams, being
the largest consumers, require frequent monitoring and
supplementation of calcium into your aquarium. As they grow,
so does their calcium consumption.
The average calcium level of
coral reefs around the world is approximately 410ppm. Many
reefers choose to keep their calcium in the proximity of
400-450pmm at a specific gravity of 1.025.
Can I
actually maintain the calcium in my aquarium?
Maintaining
calcium in your aquarium is a relatively simple task. By
taking a measurement (using an appropriate calcium test kit)
of your tanks calcium over a period of a few days, you get a
firm understanding of what your tanks calcium demand really
is. Once you have tracked how much calcium you are using, it
is simply a matter of selecting the appropriate additive or
buffer to counter act the imbalance. Keeping stable calcium,
without fluctuations, creates an environment your corals and
inverts will thrive in.
Are
there any common indicators that I have low calcium?
While it is our
recommendation that you test the amount of calcium in your
aquarium?s water regularly (with a good test kit), there are
subtle indicators that your calcium may be low.
1) Calcium and Alkalinity
are often used up in proportionate ratios. Therefore if you
test your aquariums calcium and discover it is low, then
most likely your alkalinity is low as well (and vice versa).
2) Lack of coralline algae
and slow coral growth are also common indicators that
calcium is deficient.
In summary, calcium is as
important to your reef tank, as air is to you! Monitor it
regularly and have the appropriate additives on hand to
assist you maintaining your aquarium's stability. |
