View Full Version : Rising Calcium
vitodog
05/05/2014, 06:38 AM
While conducting my weekly water testing, my calcium tested at 500 ppm. I dose BRS 2 part in equal amounts (50 ml Ca and 50 ml Alk daily) in a 125 gal. mixed reef. My Ca usually tests between 410 - 425. I don't use any additives, just manually dose Mg when necessary and I'm currently running GFO and run GAC 24/7. Alk tested at 7.84 dkh and Mg at 1360 ppm. What could cause my Ca to rise to this extent?
thegrun
05/05/2014, 09:07 AM
Did you make a water change? It's possible your salt mix had an area of highly concentrated calcium in the bucket and when you made your saltwater the result was water with a high calcium level.
bertoni
05/05/2014, 09:34 AM
I agree that a batch of water with a high calcium level could be the issue. Measurement problems also are possible. 500 ppm should be safe enough, so I wouldn't worry, but I might check the next batch of saltwater.
vitodog
05/05/2014, 01:11 PM
Thanks guys for your responses. I did a 8% water change this last Thursday and tested the following Sunday. I use Reefer's Best salt and I did test the Ca level of this salt a few months ago and it tested at 390 ppm. I did lower the amount of Ca I regularly dose from 50 ml a day to 30 ml a day last night in an attempt to lower the Ca to a level I am more comfortable with. I did not however lower the amount of Alk (50 ml a day) I have been auto dosing so I am not currently dosing in equal amounts. So, thegrun and bertoni, do either of you see a problem with this temporary dosing regiment?
bertoni
05/05/2014, 01:21 PM
It's fine to dose unequal amounts as long as you're testing to see what's happening to the levels.
vitodog
05/05/2014, 01:24 PM
Thank you Jon.
thegrun
05/05/2014, 01:26 PM
That sounds like a good plan. With any salt mix it is a good idea when you first open a bucket to pour the contents into a couple of other buckets and shake them to even out the mix. Most salt mixes have added supplements that can become concentrated or stratified within the container. Stirring up the mix helps distribute these additives.
vitodog
05/05/2014, 04:15 PM
Thank you thegrun. Good idea.
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