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How the
Relationship Works ...
In previous articles we
have already defined what calcium and alkalinity are and
what uses them. Now we must define the relationship they
have, how they work together, and how they balance. We also
know that maintaining a balanced calcium and alkalinity
creates a stable, growing environment, and reduces the need
for daily testing.
Calcium and Alkalinity
are supplied to reef aquaria in
order to balance the losses caused by the formation of
calcium carbonate (calcium and alkalinity combined). An
example of this formation would be the skeletal growth of a
coral. The reef aquarium uses carbonates and alkalinity at a
ratio of 1 meg/l to 20ppm, respectively. Most aquarists
choose a 1:1 dosing scheme of calcium and carbonates who’s
end result is more than often a balanced chemistry.
Many aquarists turn to two
part supplementation additives to handle there calcium and
alkalinity needs. Where by equal amounts of each solution
are added routinely to maintain calcium and alkalinity to
proportionate values. More than often, for various reasons,
one or other will fluctuate resulting in an imbalance.
Troubleshooting and repairing that imbalance is often
misunderstood.
Frequently the imbalance is caused
by additive overdose. Often a calcium supplement is
overdosed, forcing the precipitation of carbonates
(alkalinity). The result is a high calcium value, but a
lowered carbonate value (which in turn may affect ph). Or
vice versa. A fix for this is to either: a) stop dosing the
offending portion of the two part additive, or b) using a
buffer to gradually raise the suppressed ion to its desired
level.
Once the balance is restored, the two part additive may be
continued as usual.
Imbalance is often caused by
salt mixes during water changes. Salt manufacturers often
leave certain elements at unacceptable levels for reef
aquaria. Knowing the calcium and alkalinity of your salt mix
will allow you to make calculations for what additives to
add to counteract the potentially chemistry altering effects
of a water change.
The use of tap water can also
alter the levels of calcium alkalinity in your aquarium.
More than often calcium and hardness fluctuate in tap water
and cause undesirable fluctuations water chemistry,
resulting in a less stable environment. Knowing the calcium
and alkalinity of your tap water, or the use of reverse
osmosis systems will help you take measures to ensure your
waters stability.
Rapid addition of stony corals
or rapid coral growth, may also cause fluctuations. In which
case it is only a matter of determining the values of
calcium and alkalinity, making chemical adjustments, and
returning to the usual method of supplementation.
How do I
maintain a constant calcium and alkalinity?
The answer to this is really
uncertain. Knowing what causes drops and fluctuations helps
you maintain your chemistry, but there are unfortunately no
hard and stead fast rules to follow. Frequent monitoring of
your aquariums water chemistry and the use of an appropriate
calcium and alkalinity supplement will go a long way to
achieving success!
There are a number of different calcium additives to choose
from. If you have a large system, a more suitable approach
to maintaining calcium and alkalinity would be the use of a
calcium reactor (a mechanical device in which aragonite
media is dissolved using CO2 gas to maintain alkalinity,
calcium, and other minor trace elements in unison) or the
use of kalkwasser (calcium hydroxide mixed with water). The
use of Kalkwasser should be limited to experienced
aquarists. |
