what do you think of this stuff

[James]

I am currently using Calxmax A & B in my tank now, I used to use B-Ionic 1 & 2, but i've been told it contains copper? What do you guys think of Calxmax, and should I be using something like lime water to replunish evaporated water?

[Ninong]

I am currently using Calxmax A & B in my tank now, I used to use B-Ionic 1 & 2, but i've been told it contains copper?

Yes, I'm sure it does contain copper. Virtually everything I put in my tank contains copper, including my salt mix. The only important question is how much copper? Who told you this and since they seem to have convinced you that B-Ionic is not a safe product since "it contains copper," did they provide documentation to support this assertion? I hope this isn't something you heard from a person who was trying to sell you a more expensive product? Not to imply that they would be biased in favor of whatever it is they are pushing at the moment, but it has been known to happen. I have heard some of the strangest claims made in support of the vast array of magic potions that line the walls of the typical LFS.

What do you guys think of Calxmax,

I have never used it. Warner claims that he uses reagent grade calcium chloride instead of food grade.

and should I be using something like lime water to replunish evaporated water?

Not if you are using a two-component calcium/alkalinity product such as B-Ionic or Calxmax. This is usually an either or proposition. I used B-Ionic and/or C-Balance for the first several weeks until my calcium was up to 425 ppm and my alkalinity was up to 10 dKH and then I discontinued that and switched to dripping limewater every night to replace evaporation. Once your levels are where you would like them to be you can stop using the expensive two-component additives (whether food grade or reagent grade) and switch to cheapy limewater. You can make your limewater with the expensive Kalkwasser sold at the LFS (reagent grade calcium hydroxide) or you can make it with cheapy food grade calcium hydroxide such as Mrs. Wages Pickling Lime.

[James]

how much of the pickling lime should i mix with 64oz of water which I'm replunishing every day?

[Ninong]

how much of the pickling lime should i mix with 64oz of water which I'm replunishing every day?

If you are actually using 64 oz (1/2 gal), then you will have to mix more than that because you never actually use all of it. That's because you must allow it to settle for several hours first before decanting the clear liquid while being careful to leave the sediment in the bottom of the mixing container. The maximum amount of calcium hydroxide that you can dissolve in one gallon of water (assuming no vinegar addition) is two teaspoons; therefore, I usually use 2 Tbsp. in three gallons of water. I usually drip two gallons per night so I mix up about three gallons. I let it sit tightly covered for several hours and then I pour off the clear liquid into the Kent Aquadoser. The remainder in the bucket can be discarded or you can leave it and just add more R.O./D.I. water on top of the sediment laden water in the bottom of the bucket, adding fresh calcium hydroxide again to mix the next batch. I usually do this a few times before emptying the bottom of the bucket and cleaning it out.

You don't have to use 2 tsp. per gallon, you can always use less if you want to. It all depends on your tank's calcium demand.

[James]

My calcium is at 550 now, and I'm doing weekly water change of 5-10 gal. still showing a slight bit of phos. and alk. is at 3.5meq/L , ph. is at 8.4 (I think this my be because I tend to overfeed). With my Calcium fine where it is, should I try maybe adding baking soda to bring up my alk. and ph.?? or just stick with the two part additive Calxmax?

[Ninong]

My calcium is at 550 now,

That's much too high in my opinion. A better range would be 425-475 ppm.

alk. is at 3.5meq/L , ph. is at 8.4 (I think this my be because I tend to overfeed)

Your alkalinity is fine as it is and your pH is fine.

should I try maybe adding baking soda to bring up my alk. and ph??

Your alkalinity is perfectly fine where it is but you would still be fine if it were a little bit higher, although that is certainly not necessary. I would leave well enough alone. There is no reason to actually raise your pH above 8.4. In fact, raising it above 8.45 would not be a good idea at all. Most people aim for a range of 8.2-8.3 for their pH and are content if it never drops below 7.9 or rises above 8.5.