Red Sea Pro Calcium test?

Sharkz · Nov 6, 2016

Just picked a Red Sea Pro test kit. Expires 12/18. I watched the Red Sea test videos but still have a question.
I filled the syringe with 1ML of regent and use the entire amount and my vial of water is not yet blue. Its close (dark purple) but not yet blue might need like a drop or two more.

How would I test for an accurate measurement? Does this mean my Calcium is over 500?

mchnbuilt · Nov 6, 2016

Sharkz said:
Just picked a Red Sea Pro test kit. Expires 12/18. I watched the Red Sea test videos but still have a question.
I filled the syringe with 1ML of regent and use the entire amount and my vial of water is not yet blue. Its close (dark purple) but not yet blue might need like a drop or two more.

How would I test for an accurate measurement? Does this mean my Calcium is over 500?

I would double check your test if you have more than 5ml of test water then it will be off. Are you dosing?

cmcoker · Nov 6, 2016

Yes it means your calcium is high, draw up another syringe full of reagent and complete the titration to its endpoint. Then find the calcium value for each syringe and add those calcium values together. Hope that makes sense

Also if you question the result, run the test again and double check your procedure is exactly what you are directed to do it he instructions

Sharkz · Nov 6, 2016

cmcoker said:
Yes it means your calcium is high, draw up another syringe full of reagent and complete the titration to its endpoint. Then find the calcium value for each syringe and add those calcium values together. Hope that makes sense

Also if you question the result, run the test again and double check your procedure is exactly what you are directed to do it he instructions

Thanks, Never thought of that.
I only use Kalk in my top off water. But I do use Red Sea Pro salt and water change 10 gallons every week. Going to test my Mag now. I'll have to do some research on high Calc and see if that's bad. Maybe I'll cut back on my Kalk. Thanks. guys.

cmcoker · Nov 6, 2016

Sure! If you are dosing with weekly water changes you might look at the red sea blue bucket.. Where are you targeting your alkalinity? And what percent of your system is a 10g water change?
Red sea Pro mixes to some high values so depending on how much your alk/ca tank is using daily, water changes may be sufficient, but if your tank is swinging it's alkalinity with each water change, a lower alk salt with daily dosing may be better.

Sharkz · Nov 6, 2016

Tank is a Red Sea Reefer 450. Total water volume 116 gallons and I change out 10 gallons a week. Tank is 8 months old and slowly turning it into a SPS dominant tank. Current Alk test done today pre water change was 9.5. Going to do my MG test in few minutes.