Calcium Test Question

[amy]

I have tested my water a number of times with 2 different Salifert Calcium test kits. Every time, my test water stays bright pink and never changes to clear blue. We have a 58 gallon tank and have done 2-3 water changes over the time that I have had this issue. We usually change 10 - 12 gallons at a time.

At first, I thought that the calcium was way too high, and so we stopped adding calcium and did water changes hoping to drop the calcium level. However, since it continues to not change, does this mean that I do not have enough calcium in the tank? HELP!

 

[Clownguy]

What other additives are you adding? I know that I use to add coral vital and ended up getting false readings with my salifert tests. I have also heard of other supplements and additives doing the same thing.

Chris

 

[kevinpo]

Hi Amy,
Welcome to Reef Frontiers!
What brand salt mix are you using? It sounds like your calcium level is high. What is your alkalinity reading? You can refill the syringe and go beyond the 500 ppm level (each line on the syringe = 5 ppm) on the calcium test kit.
If your alkalinity level is low (below 3.2 meq/L) you can dose buffer and it will help reduce the calcium reading.

Regards,
Kevin

 

[NaH2O]

Hey Amy - Welcome to Reef Frontiers!

As Kevin stated, you can refill the syringe and continue to drop until you get the color change. Have you tried to do the low resolution test? That is another option.

 

[spooda420]

maybe a bad reagent? test kits do go bad. go to the LFS and get them to test it. I try to do this, I run my tests and go get a second opinion.

 

[gobie]

I had a calcium level that was around 550 once did a water change bout 50% decided that my alk was too low,added buffer (1 tsp in 8 oz water) waited 20 min and my tank turned white. my glass was completely coated with calcium deposits was horriable. just be careful. and take your time.