Tank cycle question

I have a 125 that has been setup for just a couple of weeks. I have monitored its levels thoughout and they have fluctuated. Today when I tested everything the readings were as follows....PH 8.0 Amonia 0 Nitrite 0 Nitrate 0. For the first time I tested for phosphates .15ppm. Not good I know. I also tested calcium and this is where I am confused. My calcium levels are off the chart! So high I cant even read them. I would guess 600-700 range?? Why would my calcium level be so high? I have not added anything to the tank. I do not have any bad algae that I can find and I dont know how but I have bright pink coraline algae growing like crazy throughout my sump and refugium. Thoughts or opinions please! Also I have yet to turn on my skimmer. Should I start it today? Thanks everybody!

 

the first thing i would do is make sure the test kit is not expired.

 

I just bought it last week but I will check

 

What type of test kit is this? API strips???

If so you may want to try a different kit, without the test stips.

 

Its an API liquid test kit

 

I cannot find a date on the kit. So I do not know if its outdated or just a bad kit.

 

I would read over the testing insturctions again, You add Ca Bottle #1 then you add Bottle number #2 drop by drop and after each drop you turn the test tube upside down once then drop again it should give you a more accurate reading that way unless your S.G. is way off the charts my Ca was a bit high when my S.G was 1.029. Now my S.G. is at 1.0255 and my Ca stays at 440.

 

You should able to pick up a new bottle of Ca tester.

 

Im now curious does the cal. being that high would it affect any livestock that was put into there?

 

Dates found on each bottle. Had to look it up. One bottle was manufactured in May and the other in April 2010