Calcium too high?

[freedominco]

So when I test my Ca it takes 25 drops to change the color to blue, is 500ppm to high? Is to high a bad thing? It is an API test kit.

Thanks

[Toddrtrex]

It is borderline too high. Are you dosing anything? And what salt are you using?

I wouldn't say that it is a bad thing as is, but wouldn't want it to get any higher.

I personally keep mine around 420-450.

[Billybeau1]

500 is not going to hurt anything as long as your alkalinity is ok.

A number of salt mixes are over 500 ppm out of the box. As long as continued used does not cause calcium to collect on your pumps and heaters, I would not worry. :)

[freedominco]

I do not dose anything just weekly water changes the salt I use is tropic marin.

[Toddrtrex]

Hmm, I am starting to wonder if there was a testing error.

Billy will be able to correct me, but TM's calcium is around 375.

[demonsp]

Not really to high. How much does it drop betwenn water changes?
How much water do you change out?
Whats the calcium load , any stoneys?
Is this tank cycling or new?
Do you have ADD and loose count?

[freedominco]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12556855#post12556855 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Toddrtrex
Hmm, I am starting to wonder if there was a testing error.

Billy will be able to correct me, but TM's calcium is around 375.


I will re test now

[Billybeau1]

TM or TM Pro ?

[Toddrtrex]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12556878#post12556878 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by freedominco
I will re test now

Cool, I use TM Pro ( which has a higher cal. level ) and it tests around 420 or so. That is the reason I think it might be an error.

But, what is your salinity at.?

[freedominco]

Just re tested same numbers

Change 18 gallons a week

No stonys

Tank set up for almost 8 months

[freedominco]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12556885#post12556885 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Toddrtrex
Cool, I use TM Pro ( which has a higher cal. level ) and it tests around 420 or so. That is the reason I think it might be an error.

But, what is your salinity at.?



1.026 use refracto

[freedominco]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12556886#post12556886 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Billybeau1
TM or TM Pro ?

Pro

[Toddrtrex]

Cal Alk Mg

Tropic Marin 375 10 1230

Tropic Marin Pro Reef 450 8.5 1380

From,
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1287118

[Billybeau1]

Well than since it is Pro, I do not see that all out of sorts.

I think you are fine. :)

[freedominco]

Okay cool you guys thanks for your help I will keep testing and keep an eye on it.

[Toddrtrex]

Glad we could help, and heck wish I could keep my cal nearly that high with just water changes.

Now, go put in some SPS to suck up all that extra cal. ;)

[freedominco]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12557163#post12557163 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Toddrtrex
Glad we could help, and heck wish I could keep my cal nearly that high with just water changes.

Now, go put in some SPS to suck up all that extra cal. ;)



That is the plan just taking it slow.

[newreef8584]

One thing to try with the API calcium test. When you get closer to the endpoint colour wait about 20 seconds between drops. I find that the test is just as accurate as any on the market but the reaction time for the colour change is rather slow. You may find that your calcium is not as high as you think.