Calcium going up...

[kapella]

My calcium is going up... I am checking every other day. What can cause this? Last water change was done 5 days ago, using Instant Ocean. Previously Oceanic was used.

Cal is measuring @ 600 + now, a week ago it was around 560.

[gws76]

Are you dosing cal.? What test are you using?

[Tswifty]

yeah it should only go up if you are dosing...

are you using purple up or any type of additives that your LFS may have recommended?

[kapella]

I was using 2 part suppliment awhile ago, but not in weeks... The only thing other then skimmer running is TLF carbon reactor.

Test is API... you think it might be the test? I guess I should go retest it.

[gws76]

That's what I was thinking Tswifty8, has to be dosing something. Calcium doesn't just go up.

[gws76]

I've heard of API tests going bad, but I don't know how often this occurs. I use API calcium tests and haven't had a problem with them yet. Not sure on this. Are you adding anything to your tank other than water changes?

[kapella]

So 6 days ago it took 28 drops for it to turn blue... 2 days ago, 31 drops :)

[Tswifty]

what's your dKH (Alkalinity)? If alkalinity is high also, then I would bet that 2-part would be the cause...

I've also heard of the API test discrepencies... although seldom... it has to do with the size of the hole in the dropper.

I would suggest you take a sample of your water to your LFS and ask them to test calcium for you... cheaper then buying a new test kit right away.

Also, do you have any corals or anything that require calcium in your tank? If you don't, then there will be nothing to use the calcium, and you would've been just continually adding on top of the previous level... if that makes sense.

[brayden]

And if you're going to buy a new test kit, I would go with Seachem.