Reef Complete — Liquid Ionic Calcium with Magnesium and Strontium 250 ml and 500 ml - Seachem

Seachem's Reef Complete is a liquid ionic calcium supplement, concentrated at 160,000 mg/L — the most concentrated liquid calcium formula on the market. It restores and maintains calcium at natural seawater levels without affecting pH, and also includes magnesium and strontium in the typical utilization ratio (100:5:0.1, Ca:Mg:Sr).

Main advantages

• Liquid ionic calcium source, 160,000 mg/L
• Includes magnesium and strontium in proper proportions
• 100% soluble — be wary of products that are milky or need to be shaken
• A blended product (not simply calcium chloride): formulated at a higher pH to gas off the ammonia naturally present in commercial calcium chloride

Available sizes

• 250 ml
• 500 ml

The manufacturer also offers 100 mL, 2 L and 4 L sizes not stocked at ReefSolution.

Directions (Seachem)

Beginner: Use 1 capful (5 mL) per 80 L (20 US gallons) twice a week. Check calcium every 2 weeks and adjust amount or frequency accordingly.

Advanced: Measure calcium, then follow the addition regimen above until calcium is adjusted to 380–420 mg/L. Each 5 mL/80 L (20 US gallons) will raise calcium by about 10 mg/L. Quantity or frequency can be adjusted, but do not exceed 12.5 mL/80 L (20 US gallons) per day.

Expert: After determining the calcium consumption rate, a continuous drip system can be set up using the formula m=vc/160 (m=mL of product to add, v=volume of tank in liters, c=amount to raise calcium in mg/L).

Caution: Do not overdose — excess calcium may enhance the loss of carbonate alkalinity. Do not directly mix with any carbonate supplement: add calcium and carbonate on alternate days, or at least 30 minutes apart.

Composition (per gram)

• Calcium (Ca): 155–160 mg
• Magnesium (Mg) min: 8 mg
• Strontium (Sr) min: 0.16 mg

Ingredients: Calcium Chloride, Magnesium Chloride, Strontium Chloride.

Safety: Causes serious eye irritation. Keep out of reach of children. Avoid contact with skin.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of calcium is in Reef Complete, and is it accurately detected by calcium test kits?

The calcium in Reef Complete is an ionic form (calcium chloride) and is easily detected by calcium test kits available on the market.

Can Reef Complete be used alone, or do I need Reef Calcium too?

A reef aquarium can run successfully with Reef Complete as the sole calcium source. Reef Calcium (an organic calcium bound to a carbohydrate) is an optional secondary supplement, more easily metabolized by coral but less concentrated — making Reef Complete more economical as a primary supplement.

Do I have to turn off my protein skimmer or canister filter while dosing?

No. Reef Complete will not be impacted by a canister filter or protein skimmer. It is perfectly acceptable to leave this equipment running while dosing.

What is the difference between Reef Calcium, Reef Advantage Calcium, and Reef Complete?

Reef Complete is the liquid version of Reef Advantage Calcium — both are ionic calcium supplements that also provide magnesium and strontium in typical ratios. It comes down to a preference for liquid or powder. Reef Calcium, meanwhile, is an organic calcium meant to maintain an already-adequate level rather than raise it.

Why choose Reef Complete at ReefSolution

Maintaining a proper ionic balance is essential to reef aquarium stability. To round out your calcium maintenance routine, these products from our catalogue pair well:

• Reef Advantage Calcium — the powder equivalent of Reef Complete, for those who prefer dry dosing
• Reef Calcium — a complementary organic calcium, meant to maintain rather than quickly raise calcium
• Reef Carbonate — an alkalinity supplement never to be mixed directly with Reef Complete (alternate days or 30 minutes apart)
• Salifert Calcium Test Kit — to precisely measure your level before every dosing adjustment