[Samper]

The salt mix I use is Crystal Sea. The only inverts that I have in my tank now are two anemones, a nice patch of zenia and some purple mushroom polyps. The next thing that I want to buy is a hard coral of some sort. My question is does my salt mix have enough calcium in it to support the small bit of coraline that I have on my rocks and a hard coral? If not and I need to buy calcium what is the best way to go? This tank is only a 20 gallon and the plan was to turn it into a micro reef. It has only been established 3 months give or take a week. Any suggestions you have will be taken into consideration. Oh and just throwing this out there but if any of you would be willing to help me out with cuttings or anything I would pay shipping or whatever you needed. I'm living on an army PFC budget so money is tight. Thanks.

[Ninong]

I use Crystal Sea Marinemix Bioassay Formula salt mix and I have tested it for calcium before adding it to my tank. My test results were consistently in the range of 375-390 ppm. This is quite acceptable. Are you using the CS Bioassay formula (without dechlorination) or the regular CS Marinemix (with dechlorination)?

Reeftanks use calcium. Therefore, it has to be replenished. You can use Kalkwasser for this or you can use two-component additives. Corals use calcium to form their skeletons, coralline algae uses calcium, clams use calcium to make their shells, etc.

Kalkwasser (limewater) is cheaper than the two-part additives but you might want to consider the two-part additives for a small tank because of the convenience factor. Some popular brands of two-part additives are B-Ionic and C-Balance. Kalkwasser (limewater) can be made from plain old hydrated lime, such as Mrs. Wages Pickling Lime (100% pure food grade calcium hydroxide) or you can buy the more refined stuff with the German name (Kalkwasser) and pay six times as much.

[Samper]

I use the bio-assayed crystal sea marine mix so what you were saying basically was that yes this mix has enough calcium in it to support what little load I'll be putting on it?

[Ninong]

Originally Posted by Samper

I use the bio-assayed crystal sea marine mix so what you were saying basically was that yes this mix has enough calcium in it to support what little load I'll be putting on it?

No, I'm not saying that. It would only be sufficient if you were to do frequent water changes (since your tank is so small) or if you were to replenish the calcium as it is consumed by either dripping limewater or using a two-component additive, such as B-Ionic or C-Balance.

NO salt mix is sufficient to maintain a reef tank without having the calcium replenished. That's what's known as the "calcium demand" of the tank. It varies based on how heavily stocked your tank is with corals and other calcium-consuming organisms. Since your tank is only 20 gallons, I think you might want to try B-Ionic first. It may not take much at all to keep up with your tank's demands. You will need to test your calcium and alkalinity on a regular basis to determine how much needs to be added and how often.

[Samper]

Ok now that that's been said what would be my next move as far as a good hearty coral? I'd like some color and movement. The way my live rock sits I have areas that get a lot of movement and light and some that dont get much movement as well as lower light. I've noticed the anemones and shrooms like the areas that seem to not get too much water movement however the zenias love water movement, are thriving nicely where I placed them. Is this observation correct with what you've seen?

[Ninong]

Sorry but I'm not sure what to advise you to put in there for the time being as long as you have only a single 28w 50/50 fluorescent lamp. I don't have any experience with low-light systems.

[Samper]

Doh!!!!