Ca Levels over 700....!!!!!

[RobSW1]

I know i thought i was going crazy, but its true, my Ca levels are over 700, according to a BRAND NEW SALIFERT test kit, not some rip off innacurate one. is there any reason why my Ca level is so high?

I dont dose Ca, or anything for that matter. Tank has been setup over 6 months and all i have is one SPS, a digi, which doesnt seem to mind.

I just dont know what to do, any suggestions?

Thnks
Rob

 

[Bebo77]

do the test again... no way to have Ca that level if you are not dosing..

 

[RobSW1]

ive done the test 3 times. I even went and bought a new salifert test kit to make sure i wasnt seeing things.

 

[MammothReefer]

I got my levels that high, it was the city messing with the water, you using RO/DI?

 

[RobSW1]

i only use RODI with 0tds.

 

[Bebo77]

lol.. really... ouch...

 

[RobSW1]

my monti is the only thing in the tank.....kinda my tester piece for SPS. and he not being burned or anything. should i worry?

 

[oldreefer76]

What is your alkalinity testing at?

 

[RobSW1]

hold please........i will test....

 

[RobSW1]

right now is wacky and reading 16...sorry just retested and its reading 8...so that seems in line

 

[bertoni]

What brand of salt is being used? Oceanic is very high in calcium, for example.

 

[Questin]

I have CA that high and everything in the tank is fine.

Do some water changes and test the water before you put salt in it and after for Phosphate and other things. I know you said you are using RO/DI but sometimes the container can leach things into the water that you have no idea about.

After a few major water changes and good salt, you should see it level off.

I would double check you alkalinity as well.

 

[PL-Reef]

return the test and get a new one. doesnt sound right.

 

[liquidfunk]

Whats the pH? Drastically low pH can allow a higher concentration of CA and ALK

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-06/rhf/index.php

 

[WaterKeeper]

Rob,

Are you adding KW? If so do you make sure that you only add the clear supernatant. Adding calcium hydroxide fines into the display can cause elevated Ca, pH and alkalinity readings.

 

[RobSW1]

sorry i had to go pick up my new TV.
Just to let everyone know, i returned the salifert test and got a new one, and i am still running over 700.

I am not dosing Kalk

My PH is 8.1-8.2

I am using generic CORALIFE salt, not anything fancy.

I DO NOT dose ANYTHING to the tank, or through Top off.

I am at a loss of what to do. I hope this wont affect any corals in the future.

Anyone else that has had this happen please post.


Thanks
Rob

 

[WaterKeeper]

Ok Rob,

Take a deep breath and step away from the test kit.

Based on what you are telling me there is probably a simple solution. You need to review the instructions that came with the kit. You may be using an incorrect sample size, missing the endpoint or calculating improperly.

The most common error that the new reef chemist makes is "chasing the endpoint". In drop count methods the sample turns "true blue" but then reverts to a purple. Soooo---you add more drops. Over and over again as the endpoint color reverts. This is because the EDTA, the titration solution, can dissolve colloidal calcium and will also react with magnesium over time. When the color changes to the first "true blue" endpoint--STOP and calculate the results.

In colorimetric methods the problem usually revolves around taking the proper aliquot. That is mis-reading the syringe. Many kit offer a high and low range method and confusing the amount of sample needed is common. Also, the directions will stipulate where the syringe plunger position should be for the measurement. With the tiny sample volume used a small displacement in the plunger volume can make for big errors.

The last problem is whether the kit measures Ca as Ca or Ca as CaCO₃. The latter is 2.5 times the value of the Ca as Ca measurement. Be sure to check the units.

If still in doubt go to the Salifert forum and ask Habib to guide you through.

 

[RobSW1]

well im sick of testing over and over tonight, so i am going to take waterkeepers advice and do it in the mornin after some away time.

i will also make sure that i dont add to many drops and calculate during the first available true blue color. ...... eventhough thats what i thought i was doing.

i will inform everyone in the mornin.

thanks for your help.

rob

 

[Billybeau1]

Well, after reading this whole thread, your problem is , more than likely, the Coralife salt.

Coralife, like Oceanic, will test very high in calcium. Around 600 my last test at 1.0265

My advice to you is to do a couple of water changes with something like Instant Ocean which is very low in calcium and you will see you Ca++ drop.

BTW - what is your alkalinity coming in at ?

 

[Sk8r]

Also---personal experience here---don't get so mesmerized by the CA reading you neglect the others---THAT's where the damage can happen. Go all the way back to your first-week tests, nitrate, nitrite, and ammonia, temperature, salinity, and then proceed to the other tests, to be absolutely sure that it's the only thing out of whack. THEN start some water changes, testing all the way.