Ionic Balance

Discussion in 'Water Chemistry' started by Land_Fish, Nov 21, 2003.

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  1. Land_Fish

    Land_Fish Guest

    OK I have seen most people here post allot about SeaChem additives and how to use such products in the reef tank. Some here may know the works of Randy Holmes-Farley and if you have never read his articles well you are missing out.
    I have a hard time keeping focused on all the chemistry stuff but this one article of his should be the bible of reef keepers. please read the link below.
    http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/nov2002/chem.htm
    Randy Holmes-Farley
    When he is saying balanced additives he is referring to 2 part Ionic calcium and Alkalinity balanced additives such as B-Ionic and Kent 2 part and Calxmax.

    When you use these balanced additives I find the only other thing you need (if not running a calcium reactor) is some Kent Turbo Calcium powder ever so often. And some good iodine. No other additives are needed which is a big help to my pocket book.

    All I ask of you reefers is to read and keep your SeaChem minds open for some great knowledge.

    Let the additive War talks begin. :D
     
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  3. Matt Rogers

    Matt Rogers Kingfish

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    ONe of my old fish store bosses (mikeyreef on this board) uses B-Ionic. He really likes it. His endorsement is good enough for me, but I haven't had any troubles yet with my SeaChem.

    If I ever do, I know what I'll try.
    :)
     
  4. Land_Fish

    Land_Fish Guest

    In another thread you stated
    "For several months since I started my hex I have had problems with low alk and high calcium readings (alk 2 meq/L and Calcium over 600!). I think this was from using DIY rock and natural sea water.

    For the last couple months I slowly dosed Seachem Reef Builder through an IV mixed with my evap water to raise carbonate alkalinity.

    I started with 3 teaspoons / gallon. Steadily increasing the dosage per gallon to 6 teaspoons currently. "

    This is a true case on Ionic imbalance Matt. This is a neat chart that will help everyone out.
    Solving Calcium and Alkalinity Problems by Randy Holmes-Farley
    http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/nov2002/chem.htm
     
  5. Matt Rogers

    Matt Rogers Kingfish

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    [quote author=Land_Fish link=board=General;num=1069475680;start=0#2 date=11/22/03 at 11:05:00]This is a true case on Ionic imbalance Matt.[/quote]

    Sure, but I really think the CAUSE for it was the DIY rock and NSW. Not SeaChem.

    I am not trying to derail your point about B-Ionic though.
     
  6. inwall75

    inwall75 Giant Squid

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    Often the imbalance is because people try to fix pH problems by using Marine Buffer (which is for FO tanks) or Reef Buffer (for reef tanks) rather than fix the pH problem. These products can be used successfully as long as you are aware of what they do.

    I use a little of everything....B-Ionic, Seachem, Kalk
     
  7. Land_Fish

    Land_Fish Guest

    Well thats the point. When you use a 2 part Ionic balacned additive you don't need to adjust the pH or use any other additives. If you are adding a reef buffer like Seachem Reef Buffer it is because your tank is not balanced.
    You balance the Calc and alk and your pH is balanced.
     
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  9. Matt Rogers

    Matt Rogers Kingfish

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    My pH was never bad really, I have been just trying to raise the alk with buffer. Which it did and lowered the calcium. I had crazy calcium readings. SeaChem claims all their stuff is balanced pH wise.

    When I run out of this stuff, I'll give B-Ionic a try.

    On another note, in this whole process, I found that we keep our alk way higher than natural sea water, why is that?
     
  10. Land_Fish

    Land_Fish Guest

    Alk in sea water is 2.5.
    We reefers try to keep it in the range from 2.5 to 4.0 which is the safe zone.
    Was that a trick question Matt?
    You must have read Solving Calcium and Alkalinity Problems