Brightwell Aquatics Calcion 500 mL – Ionic Calcium Supplement
Brightwell Aquatics Calcion 500 mL is a highly concentrated ionic calcium supplement formulated for marine and reef aquariums. It supplies calcium chloride in purified water to help establish and maintain the calcium concentration required by stony corals, clams, tube worms, coralline algae, and other calcifying marine organisms.
Calcium is used in the formation of aragonite, the mineral structure produced by many reef-building organisms. As corals and other calcifying livestock grow, calcium is continually removed from the water and may require regular replacement between water changes.
Calcion contains no phosphate, silicate, EDTA, gluconate, polygluconate, or other unwanted organic complexing agents. Its concentrated liquid formula may be used for routine calcium maintenance or for gradual correction of a tested calcium deficiency.
Key Features
- Highly Concentrated Ionic Calcium: Contains a minimum of 150,000 ppm calcium
- Supports Calcifying Organisms: Supplies calcium required for aragonite formation
- Ideal for Reef Aquariums: Suitable for SPS, LPS, clams, coralline algae, tube worms, and other reef-building organisms
- No Organic Complexing Agents: Contains no EDTA, gluconate, or polygluconate
- Free of Phosphate & Silicate: Adds calcium without intentionally adding these unwanted substances
- Flexible Dosing: Suitable for routine maintenance, deficiency correction, or automated dosing
- Test-Based Formula: Allows dosing according to measured calcium concentration and daily consumption
- 500 mL Bottle: Treats up to approximately 5,000 cumulative gallons at the basic dose
Product Information
- Brand: Brightwell Aquatics
- Product: Calcion
- Size: 500 mL
- Equivalent Size: Approximately 16.9 fl oz
- Product Type: Concentrated ionic calcium supplement
- Aquarium Type: Marine and reef aquariums
- Recommended Calcium Range: 412–450 ppm
- Basic Dose: 5 mL per 50 US gallons every other day
- Maximum Correction Dose: 10 mL per 20 US gallons daily
- Concentration: 1 mL raises calcium by approximately 40 ppm in 1 US gallon
- Guaranteed Analysis: Calcium minimum 150,000 ppm
- Ingredients: Purified water and calcium chloride
Best Used For
- SPS and LPS coral aquariums
- Mixed reef systems
- Marine aquariums containing clams
- Systems with growing coralline algae
- Correcting a tested calcium deficiency
- Replacing calcium consumed between water changes
- High-demand reef aquariums
- Manual or automated calcium dosing programs
- Use alongside separately tested alkalinity and magnesium supplements
Why Calcium Matters in Reef Aquariums
Calcium is one of the major ions found in seawater and is required for the formation of aragonite. Corals, clams, tube worms, calcareous algae, and other reef-building organisms combine calcium with carbonate to form hard skeletal or shell material.
Calcium demand varies according to:
- The number and size of calcifying organisms
- Coral growth rate
- Lighting intensity
- Alkalinity and magnesium stability
- Water-change frequency
- The calcium concentration of the salt mix
- Overall aquarium chemistry
Calcium should be tested regularly rather than supplemented automatically.
Basic Directions
Shake the bottle well before each use.
Add:
5 mL per 50 US gallons every other day, or as needed to maintain calcium between 412 and 450 ppm.
Add the measured dose to an area with strong water movement. Test calcium regularly and adjust the amount or frequency according to the aquarium’s actual calcium consumption.
Basic Dosage Guide
- 10 Gallons: Approximately 1 mL every other day
- 20 Gallons: Approximately 2 mL every other day
- 25 Gallons: Approximately 2.5 mL every other day
- 40 Gallons: Approximately 4 mL every other day
- 50 Gallons: 5 mL every other day
- 55 Gallons: Approximately 5.5 mL every other day
- 75 Gallons: Approximately 7.5 mL every other day
- 100 Gallons: 10 mL every other day
- 125 Gallons: Approximately 12.5 mL every other day
- 150 Gallons: 15 mL every other day
- 200 Gallons: 20 mL every other day
These are starting maintenance amounts. Do not add calcium when testing shows the aquarium is already within or above the desired range.
Correcting Low Calcium
Test the aquarium with an accurate marine calcium test before beginning corrective dosing.
If calcium is below 412 ppm, Brightwell allows Calcion to be added at a maximum rate of:
10 mL per 20 US gallons daily.
Continue testing during the correction period. Stop corrective dosing when calcium reaches the desired range, then determine an appropriate maintenance dose based on the aquarium’s daily consumption.
Try to maintain calcium within approximately ±10 ppm rather than allowing large repeated swings.
Maximum Daily Correction Guide
- 10 Gallons: Up to 5 mL daily
- 20 Gallons: Up to 10 mL daily
- 40 Gallons: Up to 20 mL daily
- 50 Gallons: Up to 25 mL daily
- 55 Gallons: Up to approximately 27.5 mL daily
- 75 Gallons: Up to approximately 37.5 mL daily
- 100 Gallons: Up to 50 mL daily
- 125 Gallons: Up to approximately 62.5 mL daily
- 150 Gallons: Up to 75 mL daily
- 200 Gallons: Up to 100 mL daily
These are maximum correction amounts, not routine maintenance doses.
Advanced Dosing Formula
Each 1 mL of Calcion raises calcium by approximately 40 ppm in 1 US gallon.
Use this formula to calculate the total amount needed:
Required mL = Aquarium gallons × desired calcium increase ÷ 40
Example
To raise calcium by 20 ppm in a 100-gallon aquarium:
100 × 20 ÷ 40 = 50 mL
The calculated total should remain within the manufacturer’s maximum daily correction rate. Large deficiencies should be corrected gradually while calcium, alkalinity, magnesium, and salinity are monitored.
Approximate Dose to Raise Calcium by 10 ppm
- 20 Gallons: Approximately 5 mL
- 40 Gallons: Approximately 10 mL
- 50 Gallons: Approximately 12.5 mL
- 75 Gallons: Approximately 18.75 mL
- 100 Gallons: Approximately 25 mL
- 125 Gallons: Approximately 31.25 mL
- 150 Gallons: Approximately 37.5 mL
- 200 Gallons: Approximately 50 mL
Calculate from the system’s actual water volume after accounting for displacement from rock, sand, and equipment.
Determining a Daily Maintenance Dose
After calcium has reached the desired range, test it at approximately the same time each day for one to two weeks.
Calculate the average daily calcium decrease, then use:
Daily dose in mL = Aquarium gallons × daily calcium decrease ÷ 40
Smaller daily doses generally maintain more stable calcium than one large weekly addition.
How Much Does the 500 mL Bottle Treat?
At the basic dosage of 5 mL per 50 gallons:
A 500 mL bottle provides approximately 100 standard doses and treats up to 5,000 cumulative gallons.
Examples include:
- Approximately 100 basic doses for a 50-gallon aquarium
- Approximately 50 basic doses for a 100-gallon aquarium
- Approximately 25 basic doses for a 200-gallon aquarium
Actual product life depends on aquarium size, coral growth, initial calcium level, salt mix, water changes, and daily calcium demand.
Does Calcion Raise Alkalinity?
No. Calcion is a calcium-specific supplement and does not provide the carbonate or bicarbonate needed to maintain alkalinity.
Alkalinity should be tested and supplemented separately when required. Brightwell Reef Code B is an example of a separate alkalinity product, while Reef Code A and B are designed as a balanced two-part system.
Does Calcion Raise Magnesium?
No. Calcion does not provide meaningful magnesium supplementation.
Magnesium should be tested separately because low magnesium can make calcium and alkalinity more difficult to maintain. Brightwell Magnesion is intended for magnesium supplementation when testing confirms a deficiency.
Calcion vs. Reef Code A
- Calcion: Highly concentrated calcium-only supplement for independent calcium adjustment
- Reef Code A: Calcium-bearing part of a two-part system designed for equal use with Reef Code B
Choose Calcion when calcium needs to be adjusted independently. Choose Reef Code A and B when a balanced two-part calcium and alkalinity program is preferred.
Calcion vs. Calcion-P
- Calcion: Ready-to-use concentrated liquid calcium supplement
- Calcion-P: Powdered calcium chloride that must be dissolved before use
The liquid formula is convenient for direct measurement and dosing pumps. The powdered formula may be more economical for large aquariums or facilities maintaining multiple reef systems.
Is Calcion Different from Calcium Chloride?
Calcion is made with calcium chloride. The calcium is supplied in ionic form once dissolved in water.
Its distinguishing features are its high concentration, purified water, high-purity ingredients, and absence of phosphate, silicate, and organic complexing agents.
Using Calcion with Alkalinity Supplements
Calcium and alkalinity supplements should be added separately into areas of strong water movement.
Do not mix concentrated Calcion directly with an alkalinity supplement in the same container. The concentrated calcium and carbonate may react and form insoluble calcium carbonate.
Allow the first supplement to disperse before adding the second product in a different high-flow area.
Using Calcion with Magnesium Supplements
Calcion may be used with Magnesion or another appropriate marine magnesium supplement. Test both parameters and dose them according to their individual requirements.
Correcting low magnesium may be necessary before calcium and alkalinity can be maintained consistently.
Using Calcion with Kalkwasser
Kalkwasser supplies both calcium and alkalinity. Calcion may still be used when kalkwasser does not meet the aquarium’s full calcium demand, but total supplementation must be calculated carefully.
Monitor:
- Calcium
- Alkalinity
- Magnesium
- pH
- Salinity
Do not add a full Calcion dose automatically when another system is already supplying calcium.
Using Calcion with a Calcium Reactor
A calcium reactor may supply calcium and alkalinity continuously. Calcion can be used for independent corrections when calcium remains below target, but reactor operation and alkalinity should also be reviewed.
Repeatedly needing large calcium corrections may indicate that the reactor, dosing program, or magnesium concentration is not properly balanced.
Automated Dosing
Calcion may be used with a properly calibrated dosing pump after the aquarium’s average daily calcium consumption has been determined.
Before automating:
- Confirm the required daily dose manually
- Calibrate the dosing pump
- Use compatible tubing and a secure reservoir
- Prevent siphoning or accidental continuous dosing
- Keep calcium and alkalinity solutions in separate containers
- Retest calcium regularly
Automated dosing should be adjusted as coral growth and aquarium demand change.
Can Calcion Cause Cloudy Water?
Calcion itself should normally disperse without creating persistent cloudiness. Cloudiness or white deposits after dosing may indicate calcium-carbonate precipitation.
Possible causes include:
- Calcium and alkalinity supplements added too close together
- Excessively high pH
- Excess calcium or alkalinity
- Low magnesium
- Poor water circulation at the dosing location
- Adding a concentrated dose too quickly
Stop dosing temporarily and test calcium, alkalinity, magnesium, and pH if precipitation occurs.
Can Calcion Be Overdosed?
Yes. Excessive calcium can disrupt the balance between calcium, alkalinity, and magnesium and may encourage calcium-carbonate precipitation.
Do not dose based only on aquarium size. Test calcium and add only the amount required to reach or maintain the desired range.
If calcium becomes excessively high, stop dosing and allow normal consumption or gradual water changes to lower the concentration.
Does Calcion Directly Improve Coral Color?
Calcion supplies calcium required for calcification, but it does not directly color corals or guarantee faster growth.
Coral growth and coloration also depend on:
- Stable alkalinity
- Appropriate magnesium
- Suitable lighting
- Balanced nitrate and phosphate
- Water flow
- Feeding
- Stable salinity and temperature
- Freedom from pests and disease
Storage and Handling
Keep the bottle tightly closed and store it indoors in a cool location away from direct sunlight and excessive heat.
Prevent aquarium water or contaminated dosing equipment from entering the bottle.
Keep out of reach of children. Not for human consumption. Intended for ornamental marine aquarium use only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Brightwell Calcion used for?
It raises and maintains calcium in marine and reef aquariums.
What calcium range does Brightwell recommend?
Maintain calcium between approximately 412 and 450 ppm.
What is the standard dose?
Add 5 mL per 50 gallons every other day or as needed based on testing.
How much does 1 mL raise calcium?
One milliliter raises calcium by approximately 40 ppm in 1 gallon of water.
What is the maximum correction dose?
Do not exceed 10 mL per 20 gallons daily.
How much does the 500 mL bottle treat?
At the basic dose, it treats up to approximately 5,000 cumulative gallons.
Is Calcion calcium chloride?
Yes. Its ingredients are purified water and calcium chloride.
Does Calcion raise alkalinity?
No. Alkalinity must be tested and supplemented separately when needed.
Does Calcion raise magnesium?
No. Magnesium should be monitored and adjusted separately.
Can Calcion be used with a dosing pump?
Yes, after determining the aquarium’s actual daily calcium consumption and properly calibrating the pump.
Can it be used with alkalinity supplements?
Yes, but dose the products separately and never mix the concentrates together.
Can it be used with kalkwasser?
Yes, when testing confirms additional calcium is required. Account for the calcium and alkalinity already supplied by kalkwasser.
Is Calcion reef safe?
Yes, when dosed according to accurate calcium testing and the manufacturer’s directions.
Does Calcion contain phosphate or silicate?
Brightwell states that it is free of phosphate and silicate.
Does it contain EDTA or gluconate?
No. Brightwell states that it contains no EDTA, gluconate, polygluconate, or other unwanted organic material.
Can Calcion be used in freshwater aquariums?
No. It is formulated for marine and reef aquarium chemistry.
Does Calcion replace water changes?
No. It replaces consumed calcium but does not remove waste or replace normal aquarium maintenance.
Available at Tropical Treasures Wyo
Brightwell Aquatics Calcion 500 mL provides highly concentrated ionic calcium for maintaining reef aquarium calcium levels and supporting corals, clams, coralline algae, and other calcifying organisms.
Visit Tropical Treasures Wyo in Cheyenne, Wyoming, to shop Brightwell Calcion, Reef Code A and B, Magnesion, calcium and alkalinity test kits, dosing pumps, reef salt mixes, and marine aquarium supplies.
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