new bucket of Reef Crystals- high ca++

Discussion in 'Water Chemistry' started by Billme, Jan 12, 2014.

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  1. rcflyer1388

    rcflyer1388 Bubble Tip Anemone

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    too much calcium won't do harm from what i know....if alk was too high, then that's something to worry about.
     
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  3. Mr. Bill

    Mr. Bill Native Floridian

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    Yep, that should do it. :)
     
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  4. Billme

    Billme Eyelash Blennie

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    So after the water change I was a bit surprised. Ca came down from 460 in the display to 440 after the water change. Interesting considering I measured 495 for the change water. Don't know why, but seems like this has happened regularly.
    Day after water change:
    SG: 1.025
    Ph: 8.2
    Alk: 10
    Ca: 440
    Mg: 1380
     
  5. Mr. Bill

    Mr. Bill Native Floridian

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    Your numbers are all over the place with ca and mg. If mg is actually lower and alk is higher than what you're reading, it's possible for alk to precipitate some ca out of solution. Either way I think it might be time to ditch Red Sea and API so you can get more accurate readings.
     
    Last edited: Jan 15, 2014
  6. Billme

    Billme Eyelash Blennie

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    So are you suggesting salifert for all the tests for consistency? Now that I think about it, I have a salifert alk ready to USSR once the API is done. Maybe start using it sooner.
     
    Last edited: Jan 15, 2014
  7. Mr. Bill

    Mr. Bill Native Floridian

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    Yes, Salifert kits and Hanna checkers are far more accurate. Ballpark figures from API and Red Sea are ok if your livestock looks healthy and you're not yet dosing, but I would still be concerned with the possibility of ca precipitating; it usually ends up clogging pumps, filters, etc. :eek:
     
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  9. Billme

    Billme Eyelash Blennie

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    Thanks for the input Mr Bill. I'll get those test kits changed over.
     
  10. Billme

    Billme Eyelash Blennie

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    I tried the salifert alk test out tonight. The results were the KH is 7.7. Their standard that comes with the kit came out to 6.9. Their standard is supposed to be 6.7 +/- .2. I also retested with API and got 10 as usual. I repeated each test twice and got similar results. Interesting huh? I think I'll read some reviews on both kits looking for accuracy.
     
  11. Mr. Bill

    Mr. Bill Native Floridian

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    6.7+.2=6.9. I'd bet your alk is 7.9, not 10. Now test your mg and ca with Salifert.

    FTR, you can find lots of unofficial reviews here in the threads. :)
     
  12. Vinnyboombatz

    Vinnyboombatz Giant Squid

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    I can give you a review.Salifert works for me 99.99% of the time.Follow testing directions.;D;)