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I've got a 10 gallon tank with a few soft corals and LPS, but my calcium levels keep dropping fast. I'm dosing manually but it's a hassle. Anyone got tips for keeping it stable without daily dosing?

Small tanks are tricky since params swing faster. What's your alk at? If it's low, calcium won't stay put. I'd test alk first, then maybe switch to a two-part doser. I use the BRS ones on my 15 gallon, keeps things steady for weeks.

yo, i just throw in some crushed coral in the filter. seems to work, but my tank's only 5 gallons. dunno if it'll cut it for you.

daxilix wrote: ↑Tue Sep 16, 2025 12:26 pm yo, i just throw in some crushed coral in the filter. seems to work, but my tank's only 5 gallons. dunno if it'll cut it for you.

Crushed coral's a decent idea, but it's slow. If you're dosing already, maybe try a kalkwasser stirrer. Heard those are solid for small setups.

I had the same issue in my 12 gallon. Switched to a nano calcium reactor and it's been smooth sailing. Pricey upfront, but worth it if you're serious about keeping LPS.

how often you testing? my 10 gallon's chill with weekly water changes, no extra dosing. maybe your salt mix is low on calcium?

Trims wrote: ↑Thu Sep 18, 2025 7:06 am how often you testing? my 10 gallon's chill with weekly water changes, no extra dosing. maybe your salt mix is low on calcium?

Good point. I use Red Sea Coral Pro, and it's packed with calcium. Maybe switch salts if you're using something basic.

Thanks for the advice, everyone. I'll test my alk and look into a two-part doser or kalkwasser. Appreciate the help!

Thanks for the advice, everyone. I'll test my alk and look into a two-part doser or kalkwasser. Appreciate the help!

xterrab wrote: ↑Thu Sep 18, 2025 11:57 am Thanks for the advice, everyone. I'll test my alk and look into a two-part doser or kalkwasser. Appreciate the help!

No problem. Let us know how it goes. Also, check your magnesium levels—low mag can mess with calcium uptake too.