Free CALCIUM???

Discussion in 'Coral Health' started by 55gfowlr, Jan 14, 2012.

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  1. ShaneZ

    ShaneZ Astrea Snail

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    I took it as the sea cucumber produces calcium from what it eats. The crushed oyster shell is pretty much pure calcium thats why it is used in some of the DIY lr recipes. I was suggesting it instead of aragonite since it is cheaper. I would figure though that it would put off a certain amount of calcium by itself so using it in a reactor could work.
     
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  3. cosmo

    cosmo Giant Squid

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    here's my thought's! We all know a crushed coral substrate dissolves on its own in saltwater! So if you need a higher dose of calcium, why would tumbling oyster shells in a reactor with wome sand to break off small pieces not expedite that process!? We need a reef geek like Mikejrice here! sorry Mike thats a compliment! plus he's a clam guy that knows about high calcium req's! i may be an idiot! let's see! lol
     
  4. sticksmith23

    sticksmith23 Giant Squid

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    Cosmo, did you PM him?
     
  5. ShaneZ

    ShaneZ Astrea Snail

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    I don't see why that wouldn't work. But it still leaves the question of how often to change to oyster shell?
     
  6. cosmo

    cosmo Giant Squid

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  7. cosmo

    cosmo Giant Squid

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    ok the guy much smarter than us brought up some good points!
    i still think its pretty doable! i'll get some questions answered and be back on this!
     
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  9. Ducksmasher

    Ducksmasher Purple Spiny Lobster

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    I have a hammer mill.. powdered oyster shell dosing(patent pending).. great.

    btw, I remembered something from my old job, something about oysters and rapid concentration (10x as fast as other animals and sediment) of copper, nickel, and other heavy metals. of course it depends on the estuary that oysters are harvested from. I know metals tests are a component of the dept of health here in Texas that monitors aquatic products.
     
    Last edited: Jan 14, 2012
  10. sticksmith23

    sticksmith23 Giant Squid

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    That is interesting and something else to look into.
     
  11. 55gfowlr

    55gfowlr Zoanthid

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    Calcium may dissolve in water, I'm not sure on that but I'll look it up. But, coral skeletons, oyster shells, ie...calcium based organic made structures will not just dissolve. They have to be broken back down on a chemical level. In nature this happens when fish eat on corals, biologically breaking down each bite they take just trying to eat the soft bodies inside. Partly....
    The other way calcium gets back into the water that is being discovered now is from these cucumbers. Now, that doesn't account for any of the other trace elements that need to be in the tank, but if you had one element in your system that could recycle itself, then you wouldn't have to dose for it that much. At least that's the idea.
     
  12. Thatgrimguy

    Thatgrimguy Flying Squid

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    You would, at minimum, have to lower the ph to to dissolve it so that enough calcium would even be measurable. and at that point, coral skeletons are much more efficient and likely a more consistent source. The process of oyster shells dissolving in salt water is a very long process on it's own (100 years maybe?)


    Sea cucumbers, on the other hand, are no more dangerous on death than an anemone and do make a great addition to your tank. They will keep your sand bed white and do help produce some calcium. Though I doubt it wil be enough to make a dent on your dosing.