Using Two Part wrong?

[PotatoPig]

I currently have a tank with soft corals, and thinking of adding a hammer and maybe a clam. Calcium is typically 320-340 and Alk is at 8.

I tried adding Two Part over the last week to bring calcium up, but the number flatly isn’t moving even though the dose indicates it should.

I’m using a dropper and adding the calcium dose right in front of a jet from a power head - so very high flow at point of addition. Not seeing any change in parameters.

I did notice on one add a white precipice in the jet as I added, am I just winding up with calcium dust?

 

[Uncle99]

Ensure MG is in the range 1360-1450ppm first. Low MG can result in inaccurate Alk and CA readings.
The rise in Alk of CA takes a bit of product at first, but keep going, it will rise.
CA tests can vary widely, so be sure your getting the correct answer.
You can always test a new batch of saltwater which should test out close to the manufacturer’s listed levels.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

What salt mix are you using? What salinity?

Try both tests on new salt water.

It’s hard to get calcium to drop that low without dosing alk.

 

[Lavey29]

I would confirm tests with your LFS. Your calcium should have virtually no noticeable consumption with only soft corals so weekly water changes should keep everything balanced with no dosing required.

 

[PotatoPig]

What salt mix are you using? What salinity?

Try both tests on new salt water.

It’s hard to get calcium to drop that low without dosing alk.

IO purple bucket with RODI, 1.026 salinity.

This is the first time I’ve dosed *anything*

It’s also a fairly fresh volume of water in there as a couple of weeks ago I did two ~40% water changes a few days apart.

I’ll follow your suggestion and test a fresh batch this evening.

/also will try get a test at the LFS to verify