Did i test this right

[puffer21]

Well i just tested Calcium and ALK/KH and i got high reading this was done with salfeirt i think i might have done it wrong but does this sound normal.
Calcium 460
ALK 4.34
KH 10.8

does this sound right i thought that Instant ocean salt had low calcium, and i have never added any chemicals to my tank. Thanks for any help Puffer21

[csb]

IO does typically have lower calcium than that ... My IO mixes typically run around 350 for calcium.

The Salifert calcium test instructions are a little foggy in the poor english translation... this might be where you're getting a higher reading. The instructions say something like "when you see a clear blue color", but that's not exactly what it means. Translation: "when you first see a color that is clearly blue, not purple" .. .that's your reading.

So, when you're dripping the test solution into the vile, and the water starts to turn purple, then slowly add 1 drop at a time and swirl the vile around for 10-15 seconds, then add another drop. When you add that one final drop, the solution will change from the deep purple to a distinct blue color (not "clear blue"). That's where you want to take the reading!

Hope this helps ...

[csb]

Should mention, there's also a Salifert forum here on RC ... the calcium test is a common question. Check out this thread from today... basically the same thing I said, but in simpler terms...

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=891449

[puffer21]

I just have another few question.
1. At the bottom of the directions it says pmm(1-reading x 5)16 something like that what does that mean.
2. Also in the ALK if the test turns purple is that were i stop adding drops or do i wait till its pink which was about 2 drops after the purple.
3. Also when i filling the chemial droper stuff up to the top to 1.0ml is it the top of the black line or the bottom.

[Habib]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7811181#post7811181 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by puffer21
I just have another few question.
1. At the bottom of the directions it says pmm(1-reading x 5)16 something like that what does that mean.
2. Also in the ALK if the test turns purple is that were i stop adding drops or do i wait till its pink which was about 2 drops after the purple.
3. Also when i filling the chemial droper stuff up to the top to 1.0ml is it the top of the black line or the bottom.


1] If the right formula is used and if math is not a weak point then it allows the calculation of teh Alk without having to look up in the table. We will ommit this in an update and teher will only be a table since some don't use the equation in the right way.


2] If it is only 2 drops then the pink is fine. Make sure to mix the sample evenly after each drop. However, once you know where the value approx will be you can add say most of it all at once and swirl for 10 or so secs and then continiue adding dropwise.

3] Whatever is easy for you. The difference is very very small. Probably something like 0.1 dKH (0.03 meq/L).

[puffer21]

Thanks