Salifert Calcium Test Issue

[ScubaFish802]

I just switched to the Salifert Calcium testing kit thinking it would be more accurate and easier to read.. but currently I am having an issue getting the test to turn pink on step two. I've ran the test a few times from start but each time it starts as a darker blue and changes to a slightly clearer blue when adding the CA-3.

I use Reef Crystals and do weekly water changes of ~10% on 30 gallons. I should have almost no draw on calcium in my tank with only one head of Euphyllia so far (which has been doing great).

All params have tested great until this kit. Kit expiration is 06/2025.

Any idea what I'm missing or possibly doing incorrectly that is preventing the test from turning pink on the 2nd step?

Current process is:
-add 2ml of tank water
-add 1 level spoon of ca-1
-add 10 drops ca-2 then swirl together for 10 seconds (Should be pink here from my understanding but always is dark blue / also verified I have the 10 drop kit and not the 8 drop kit)
-draw ca-3 into syringe until lower edge of black rubber is at 1.0 (leaving the small air gap from the tip)
-add 1 drop at a time + swirl until clear blue

 

[ScubaFish802]

Upon further testing I believe the issue is possibly the uniformity of my drops. By adding 1-3 more drops of ca-2 I can achieve the pink color. Any tips other than holding the container straight up and down? Using the stock cap that came with the kit.
Will also leave this open incase anyone has any other input/ideas for me

 

[Big E]

I let the first drop that falls when I turn the bottle vertical go into the sink.

I then do 3-4 drops, release pressure and repeat till I get 10 drops. This will ensure more uniform drops.

This should result in a pink/red color after 10 second swirl

 

[Shirak]

I just ran the same test kit today on my frag tank. That's weird you are not seeing any pink. It looks like you are following the directions as far as steps go. I started to see some pink colors after the first couple drops and it was all pink long before I got to 10 drops. What are you getting for Ca? I measured 430 on my tank.

I would think even with drops that might be slightly inconsistent you should see all pink color before 10 drops. I wonder if there is something wrong with your #2 solution?

 

[Snoopy 67]

The granules turn the solution pink. The kits went to 10 drops as a mfg solution to inconsistencies in testing per Habib. When drawing solution into syringe fill to top & then push down until you are level with top line.
Now you are ready to start tritation. A clear blue is the final result you are looking for.

 

[ScubaFish802]

Thank you all for the answers. I will try these today.

I would think even with drops that might be slightly inconsistent you should see all pink color before 10 drops. I wonder if there is something wrong with your #2 solution?

I was starting to wonder about that as well. The picture shows a very bright pink that I certainly have not matched yet. Hopefully with the steps people listed above it just turns out to be error on my part.