Turbo Calcium... Jerel!!!

[cyberchef]

Jerel in a previous post you mentioned that turbo calcium was good for a low calcium using system but not good for SPS and other calcium loving creatures of the deep blue. Why is this and what are the (if any) side effects of using turbo calcium for the calcium supplement in a system? Thanks...

[chewie]

The reason it is not a good Idea is because, In a sps tank the corals take up calcium pretty quick, and to keep your levels steady you would have to add LOTS or turbo ca. (not to mention carbonate too!!).

Dosing LOTS of calcium chloride over time messes up the chemistry (ionic imbalance) resulting in all kinds of problems you don't want.

In a low CA demanding set up where you don't have corals that use ALOT of CA then it should be fine.

Did I get that right Jerel?

Jon

[Spanky]

ROTFL

Yes Jon, right on the money!

Here's a link from Craig

http://www.animalnetwork.com/fish2/a...io/default.asp

http://www.animalnetwork.com/fish2/a...io/default.asp

Keep in mind, the reality of the situation - It takes a lot of calcium chloride and a long time with no water changes to really mess things up.

[cyberchef]

Thanks Chewie and Jerel for the replies. I only earmarked it for Jerel because of his comment on the other post... I've been dosing with Turbo calium, looks like I need to stop. My alkalinty and PH have been fine so far, I do add a little Super buffer occasionally. Looks like my next addition will be a calcium reactor, have to get thru our "house buying" ordeal first.

So the Turbo calcium should only be used for short term to bring the calcium levels up but not to maintain them.

What about liquid calcium (Kent) for calcium supplement?

[Spanky]

So the Turbo calcium should only be used for short term to bring the calcium levels up but not to maintain them.

Well not really.

I use nothing but calcium chloride. It's a whole lot easier and you don't have the Ph problems. Just be sure you periodically do water changes.

Let me reemphasize, it would take a lot of calcium chloride use for a long long time - with no water changes - to have any negative effects.