Naturally High Calcium

tdyrkacz · Sep 4, 2015

My calcium is about 580ppm. I do not does. This is in a new tank (about 6 weeks). My alkalinity is slightly above 7.

My Ph varies between high 7 to low 8. I think the highest it has been was 8.2

Should I start to does alkalinity at this point? Will that help to lower calcium? Is there anything wrong with having high calcium and low alk? Is the high calcium from salt or the new sand?

Thanks.

Randy Holmes-Farley · Sep 4, 2015

The calcium you have (whether that value is accurate or not) is coming from your salt mix.

It is not harmful, but is on the high end.

What mix and what salinity?

Clownman727 · Sep 4, 2015

I would think either your salt is to blame or your test kit. What are you testing with and what salt are you using?

tdyrkacz · Sep 4, 2015

I am using the Red Sea Salt. I use a hanna checker to check the levels although I bought it used and some of the reagent expired earlier this year... do you think I may be getting a false reading due to expired reagent?

Randy Holmes-Farley · Sep 4, 2015

What is the salinity?

The Red Sea salt claims to be about 435 ppm calcium at 35 ppt.

Clownman727 · Sep 4, 2015

I would think it is possible. Do you have a pet store by you that could check you water? If you are not adding any calcium to the tank other than what is in the salt mix then I would want to double check my test kit.

tdyrkacz · Sep 4, 2015

I will check my salt water later today to see if that's just as high. It not then does that mean the rocks or sand is somehow raising the calcium? I will probably bring water to the store to double check as well.

Myka · Sep 4, 2015

I think it's the Hanna checker. It is very easy to get a high reading on the Hanna calcium checker. I love the Hanna alkalinity and phosphate checkers, but the calcium one is troublesome. I'd suggest you find a Red Sea, Elos, or Salifert kit instead.