about my calcium test- re :earlier post
 

Well I found out that IslandReefer was right. Mg/l is the same as ppm

"you don't. mg/L is the same as ppm.

1 mg = 0.001 g
1 l = 1,000 ml.
Remember that 1 ml = 1 g of water, so 1 liter = 1,000 grams (of Water).

Again:

0.001 / 1,000 = 1/1,000,000 = one part per million ."
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Found that on another site.
So I guess that means that my calcium is 500ppm...isn't that a bit high?
thanks
asherah

generally 400 - 450 is a good range. Ours is 425 ppm.

If your calcium is that high I would suspect you may suffer low alk... what does your alk test at?

saltwater should weigh more than 1g per 1mL :P

although, it's acceptable to consider the two the same thing

Personally I don't think that 500 for calcium is that high and I wouldn't worry about it unless your alk/dhk and/or magnesium are out of whack. You should test for all 3 regularly. If you don't have a lot of calcium absorbing critters like clams and SPS I would try and bring it down a bit though as it can be hard on pumps and equipment.

I'm picking up some tests for the alk on thursday. I know the ph is 8.2 tho.
I just recently got a new toadstool frag, gsp frag, and 2 zoo frags. I already had a pink hammer frag. So I guess not much absorbing the calcium.
So when I get home with the tests I'll definetley have to test it.
Thanks alot
asherah

Real sea water averages out at 380ppm, and for the record in salt water PPM doesn't = ml/l but it is close enuf. having a salt level above 400 is not only higher than natural but also a waist of money (for the salt) and also will make it harder on the coral to grow as it has to expend more energy.

Steve