Calcium/Magnesium Readings

Discussion in 'Water Chemistry' started by mightyrae, Apr 4, 2012.

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  1. mightyrae

    mightyrae Spaghetti Worm

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    I'm getting readings way higher than whats on the chart. I dont feel like Ive added that much to the tank. Ive tested with more than one kit. Anyone know if my numbers are actually low and my test kits are giving me false numbers? TIA
     
    mightyrae, Apr 4, 2012
    mightyrae, Apr 4, 2012
    #1

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  2. doylef4i

    doylef4i Bubble Tip Anemone

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    What is your salanity?What type of test kits?
     
    doylef4i, Apr 4, 2012
    doylef4i, Apr 4, 2012
    #2
  3. clarkkey594

    clarkkey594 Aiptasia Anemone

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    What type of salt are you using and are you using RO/DI water?
     
    clarkkey594, Apr 4, 2012
    clarkkey594, Apr 4, 2012
    #3
  4. mightyrae

    mightyrae Spaghetti Worm

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    Im using Salifert test kits. I also bought a AP kit to see if my Salifert kit was bad but they both read very high. I am using RO/DI water. Salinity varies from 1.025-1.028.
     
    mightyrae, Apr 6, 2012
    mightyrae, Apr 6, 2012
    #4
  5. mightyrae

    mightyrae Spaghetti Worm

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    Sorry forgot to add Salt type is Reef Crystals.
     
    mightyrae, Apr 6, 2012
    mightyrae, Apr 6, 2012
    #5
  6. ReefBruh

    ReefBruh Giant Squid

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    What is the Salifert readings saying compared to API? I use Reef Crystals and my Calcium usually runs around 480 and my mag was around 1490.
     
    ReefBruh, Apr 6, 2012
    ReefBruh, Apr 6, 2012
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  7. Mr. Bill

    Mr. Bill Native Floridian

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    How are you testing your SG? Swing-arm hydrometers are not very reliable. Also, you need to get that under control- it should not vary. At 1.028 with a cal and mag enhanced salt mix, your cal and mag will be higher than normal.
     
    Mr. Bill, Apr 6, 2012
    Mr. Bill, Apr 6, 2012
    #7
  8. NanaReefer

    NanaReefer Fu Manchu Lion Fish

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    Added what? Are you dosing for calcium and or alkalinity?
     
    NanaReefer, Apr 6, 2012
    NanaReefer, Apr 6, 2012
    #8
  9. mightyrae

    mightyrae Spaghetti Worm

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    From the looks of everyones response it appears an inaccurate SG might be the culprit.

    I guess I'm needing a refractometer for accuracy. Guess that would be a good place to start.

    I am adding two part solution of both Calcium/Alk and Magnesium.

    Anyone know if someone has created a thread on testing issues and what problems theyre related too?
     
    mightyrae, Apr 6, 2012
    mightyrae, Apr 6, 2012
    #9
  10. NanaReefer

    NanaReefer Fu Manchu Lion Fish

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    First of all, STOP dosing! Then wait a couple of days and test again. Watch your results come down ;)
     
    NanaReefer, Apr 7, 2012
    NanaReefer, Apr 7, 2012
    #10
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