What to do with High Calcium ?

Saltydog22 · Jul 17, 2012

I did a calcium test and it stayed pink until I got to about 18 drops then just turn blue read the chart that shounds way too high what should I do to lower it I have clean up crew comming fri need to make sure these levels are safe for them please help!! Thanks Salty PS did test 2 times still same result.:sad:

Surf&turf · Jul 17, 2012

What test kit are you using and what was the actual reading? Have you tested your Alk and Mag?

Electrobes · Jul 17, 2012

Sounds like you need to put in some SPS. :wink:

How's your alk in response to this high calcium? More than likely you've got a bad test kit.

Saltydog22 · Jul 18, 2012

Yea it was the test kit used another one of a friends got different reading looks good at about 380 to 400. Thanks for everyones response!!!!

PS If I get new corals should I increase the calcium from these levels ????? These tank has nothing but live rock and sand now.

chort55 · Jul 18, 2012

I like to have my calcium around 420-450, some will say thats good and depends what your looking to keep I guess... sps I say raise it a little.

Saltydog22 · Jul 18, 2012

Saltydog22 said:
Yea it was the test kit used another one of a friends got different reading looks good at about 380 to 400. Thanks for everyones response!!!!

PS If I get new corals should I increase the calcium from these levels ????? These tank has nothing but live rock and sand now.

why in the world would anyone print the whole manuall in purple ink and put the coparision color end color should be blue I keeped adding drops waiting for a dark blue or purplish color API test kit. Go figure!!!! if printing a comparioson chart use the right ink API!!!!!!!! it says this is what the color should look like and its dark purple like the rest of the manual is printed in Thanks Salty

Bellive this The api test kit prints my manual in purple the end color is printed in purple it should be blue

Electrobes · Jul 18, 2012

You want to try to keep the cal at around 420 for most reef tanks. You'll get a feel for what your tank needs after a while.

Cullyisgully · Jul 18, 2012

stop doseing for a bit

Saltydog22 · Jul 18, 2012

Thanks everyone I think I will look into raising it a little, any easy Ideas from any one? Never try it before but looked at kent products looks like to much work any easy ways, name brands ways of doing it???? thanks salty

Electrobes · Jul 18, 2012

Just get some bottled calcium, or mix it yourself using something like bulk reef supply's calcium chloride mix.

Pkunk35 · Jul 18, 2012

Hah, I had a test kit that was messing with me too...kept telling me my calcium was 500+....many weeks of head scratching occurred until i realized it could be wrong. duh.

I think the easiest solution (and most expensive) is a Ionic A and B solution of calcium and alkalinity to raise both parameters.

The cheapest (and perhaps the best) is to manually dose Kalkwasser. Make sure to read up on dosing please before attempting to mess with your water chemistry. Unless your tank has calcium demanding coral often times water changing is enough to replenish the parameters of your tank.

Young Frankenstein · Jul 18, 2012

nothing just let it drop

3Twinklets · Jul 18, 2012

I keep mine around 450. Brightwell Aquatics make an A,B supplement that works good. After you decide where you are comfortable. Possible regular water changes will keep you where you want to be.