Seachem Reef Calcium and Reef Advantage Calcium

[geoffrey]

Hi All,

Like to know, can any of the above Seachem products supplement the Ca needs for my planted tank.

I understand many here use Equilibrium for Ca but it has K, Fe and Mn which I don't need. Furthermore, I'm using coral as my buffer.

Thanks.

[bclee]

Reef calcium contains chelated Ca. Ca complexed with gluconate polymer. Should be no problem to be used in planted tank. However, it is formulated for the use in reef tank, so the pH of reef calcium is 8.2. The only thing that I think you have to beware of. I suspect that it may raise your KH.

Reef Advantage Calcium is the dry version of Reef complete. On top of Calcium, it contain some Mg and Sr (100Ca:5Mg:0.1Sr). It is also formulated at pH 8.3-8.6.

But if you still have a concern, you can always write to [email protected]. I have found them to be very helpful.

BC

[geoffrey]

Thanks bclee.

[bclee]

BTW, if you do not mind the NO3, you can use Ca(NO3)2 from Dr Mallick's.

BC

[geoffrey]

Thanks again BC, thought of that but can't now until KNO3 is finished : )

[FC]

"BTW, if you do not mind the NO3, you can use Ca(NO3)2 from Dr Mallick's."

Not a good idea.
It is only good to be use as NO3 booster as the Ca content is too low; before one get meaningful Ca from it, the NO3 level would already be unacceptable.

[Plantbrain]

You can also use powdered dolomite Ca(Mg)CO3.
Or pool calcium hardness increaser(CaCl2) both of which are rather cheap.
Dolomite is good since it adds GH and KH.

Low GH tap often has low KH.

Regards,
Tom Barr

[geoffrey]

Thanks all.

Here's what Seachem has to say :

[QUOTE]
To increase calcium in a freshwater aquarium, it is possible to use
small amounts of the above mentioned products but they would not be
my first choice. My first choice is Equilibrium. This supplement does
not contain any chloride which can be harmful to plants at varying
levels. The other supplements contain chloride which is
inconsequential in marine aquariums, hence they are geared towards
marine aquariums.
--
Best Regards,
Seachem Technical Support,rb
[UNQUOTE]