High Ca readings

[beamer]

Just wondering-my Ca levels have been pretty high the last few months-around 490. I have been using Oceanic Salt for about 4 months without having to do any supplementation. I like this, however, I'm due for a water change and I tested my water today before doing so. Again my Ca was 490-500. OUt of curiosity I checked my new salt water also using the Salifert kit and I was not able to get a reading. The solution is suppose to turn a clear blue and mine stayed pink without any color change at all. Now I am reluctant to change my water. Will this harm my tank? I had not tested the Ca before with my new water so I don't know what its been testing at. Everything looks good with the exception of one of my open brains.

I have read mixed opinions on the Oceaninc Salt.

What are ya'll's thoughts and experiences?

Cindy

[amcarrig]

490-500 is not really high as far as I'm concerned. When you say that you tested your new water and didn't get a reading, do you mean that you ran out of solution in the syringe and it didn't change color (I assume you're using the Salifert test). What is the alk level of the new water?

I've heard mixed reviews about Oceanic and one of the things that many people seem to notice is that it does have a high calcium content but I can't speak from experience.

[fletch]

I use Oceanic salt and I have not had a problem with it!!! My Calcium stays between 400-450 and my alk =between 8.5 & 10.6 dkh- but I do also use Warner Marine CalxMax 2 pt Calcium / Alkalinity Buffer every other day although Sometimes I do forget .................... John

[reefman_MC]

When did you get your salifert test kits. Heard that there was a bad batch of salifert calcium test kits. Also heard there was a bad batch of oceanic salt. The salts were causing complete tank crashes. Everything dying.

[fletch]

I did here the same thing about the Oceanic Salt Mix but I haven't had a problem yet!! There was also some bad IO salt Mix that I herd about ....................... John

[JohnO]

Cindy,

As Annick asked, what's the Alk reading? if it 5+ then there shouldn't really be a problem.

John

[beamer]

I wasn't really concerned about the Ca level of the tank being 490 but when the test didn't register it did concern me.
amcarrig, I ran out of solution in my syringe with out the test tube ever changing color. I guess maybe I should have drawn up .5 ml or so to see how many extra drops it would take and yes I use the Salifert tests. I bought these only about 3 mos ago.

JohnO my tests as of the A.M. are:
alk 11.5 dKH
pH is 8.0. My pH usually does run low and I add a buffer to my new water.
Temp 80
Salilnity 1.023-4
Nitrite 0.05
Nitrate less than 50 (I know its high)
Phosphate 1.5-2.0
Calcium 490
New Water 500+++

I know my phosphate and nitrates are high but they will be until I change out the sand bed. Actually considering I haven't done a water change for 2.5 weeks, I think it looks pretty good since it used to be even higher.

I've been told that I need to get my salinity up a little higher but because of the high Ca I'm afraid to put in any more Oceanic.

I guess its been running high all the time and I just didn't know it cause I had never tested my new water before for Ca. I have a huge bucket of it.

Hubby is ready to eat-gotta go!

Cindy

[JohnO]

Cindy,

Once hubby has been satisfied, have a read of the article here http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/nov2002/chem.htm

It's a good reference and will give you a better understanding of what the balanced levels of Alk and Calc should be. Using the chart shown on the link, you are not that far off the mark but could probably raise the Alk a bit.

John

[beamer]

I believe I've read that before but I'll go back and refresh my memory on it. Its just not knowing what my new water actually is. It is nice not having to add any supplements though!

I thought my alk was actually a bit high-normal.

Thanks for the link John!

Cindy

[JohnO]

I just think that the first chart shown is a handy reference of where the levels should be in relationship.

What's for dinner?

John