Calcium Too High

[Enigma]

From what I've been able to learn from a websearch, the API test kit can produce very different results from other test kits.

Is it worth getting the Hanna monitor?

I use the IO Reef Crystals as well and was testing with the API kit. I was also showing 500+ results. I then bought a Salifert and the test result was the same. I have a nano and do weekly 30% water changes. This is a normal calcium level for me over the past year. But then again, I'm using regular tap water as well.

[Enigma]

Hmm. I'm using ro/di and I test the ppm of each batch before use. It usually tests "0" and never more then "5."

[TimT]

I would use a good quality test kit. I have had good success with Lamotte and Salifert.

Cheers,
Tim

[monocus]

io reef salt has a high calcium to start with-over 500.it also has the highest mag.i almost never have to dose calcium with this salt

[Enigma]

Originally Posted by Aquattro

No, you'd have to completely dissolve a few large corals to bump Ca up noticeably. That salt should sit around what, 420? Going up 100ppm just isn't going to happen without some dosing. Not sure what that supplement is..

Sorry. Forgot to reply to the calcium value (and nope . . . didn't dissolve any large corals!).

Originally Posted by monocus

io reef salt has a high calcium to start with-over 500.it also has the highest mag.i almost never have to dose calcium with this salt

I think it is supposed to be 460-480. I check the bucket last night, but I don't remember what the exact value was.

[Aquattro]

If the salt comes in at over 500 out of the bucket, I'd use a different salt Ideally you want Ca around 400ppm. Anywhere from 380 to 440 is fine, but anything over 440 is pointless, and may be prone to precipitation. Really, IMO, anything over 420 isn't needed if you're running any type of dosing or reactor, or doing frequent water changes.

[MKLKT]

Have you rolled the bucket a bit? If it's standing up the particles can get sifted slightly which will cause the concentration of elements to be a bit off when you're using the salt mix.

[Enigma]

I stirred the bucket, but didn't roll it. Rolling the bucket is a much better idea, I think. I wasn't able to stir very far down into the salt.

I may switch salt.

Is precipitation the only concern? I was concerned that the elevated levels may cause harm.