Calc higher than expected in salt

[Yonp11]

Hi Aquaforest,

I've been using the complete AF line now for about 2 weeks. It's been amazing so far, seeing colors and polyp extension from corals that never would before. Thank you!

I'm using the Probiotic salt, I mix it to 1.025 SG. I tested the freshly made water, and the Calc was around 480-500. I used a new Salifert test kit, and a Red Sea test it to verify the high value. According to the paper insert that came with the salt, the calcium should be 410 at 1.023 SG.

Does the .002 SG difference account for the Cal being this high?

 

[Tweaked]

Hi Aquaforest,

I've been using the complete AF line now for about 2 weeks. It's been amazing so far, seeing colors and polyp extension from corals that never would before. Thank you!

I'm using the Probiotic salt, I mix it to 1.025 SG. I tested the freshly made water, and the Calc was around 480-500. I used a new Salifert test kit, and a Red Sea test it to verify the high value. According to the paper insert that came with the salt, the calcium should be 410 at 1.023 SG.

Does the .002 SG difference account for the Cal being this high?

I would double check your kits or have others test it. The card that comes in the buckets stating the results is accurate.

 

[Yonp11]

I would double check your kits or have others test it. The card that comes in the buckets stating the results is accurate.

Thanks Tweaked, that's what I assumed. I know they use lab grade tests to verify the values.

I used 2 separate test kits, a Salifert and a Red Sea, and they both came out high. I guess I can look for another source or person to do the tests, but I'm pretty sure I'm doing it right, read the manual multiple times to be sure.

 

[Yonp11]

I mixed up another small batch of saltwater to test the results again. Results are the same, very high calc 500+ using both a salifert and a red sea calcium test kit.

My refractometer calibrated using calibration solution
Mixed probiotic salt with RODI water 0 TDS reading to 1.025 SG.
Card says it should be calc = 410 at this SG. Testing at 500+
Card says it should be kH = 8.0 at this SG. Testing at 8.5 using Salifert test.

For reference this is lot number 000098, manufacture date 4/11/15. Can something happen to the salt if it was manufactured a year ago? I bought it like 3 weeks ago off Amazon, Salty Supply Inc.

Thanks for any help

 

[aznxgqb0yx]

Im getting the total opposit, brand new bucket just got it in, 1.026 sg, alk 8.3(hanna alk), cal 338 (hanna calcium checker) cal alot lower with red sea test kit, mag 1470 (salifert).
Probiotic reef salt, lot 000097. Date 3/11/2015

 

[aznxgqb0yx]

Im going to test a water sample to the local reef store to have a second test, if its not correct like what the paper says how will we go about fixing it aquaforest? I also got it through amazon.

 

[aznxgqb0yx]

Im starting to wish i stuck with my orginial red sea blue bucket, same test kit same way and theres come out almost dead on... so i know theres nothing wrong with my test kit

 

[Aquaforest]

I mixed up another small batch of saltwater to test the results again. Results are the same, very high calc 500+ using both a salifert and a red sea calcium test kit.

My refractometer calibrated using calibration solution
Mixed probiotic salt with RODI water 0 TDS reading to 1.025 SG.
Card says it should be calc = 410 at this SG. Testing at 500+
Card says it should be kH = 8.0 at this SG. Testing at 8.5 using Salifert test.

For reference this is lot number 000098, manufacture date 4/11/15. Can something happen to the salt if it was manufactured a year ago? I bought it like 3 weeks ago off Amazon, Salty Supply Inc.

Thanks for any help

Hello,
4/11/15 it means - 4 November 2015
We tested every branch in laboratory.
If Ca and KH is higher I think that You have higher salinity then 34 ppt.

 

[Yonp11]

Hello,
4/11/15 it means - 4 November 2015
We tested every branch in laboratory.
If Ca and KH is higher I think that You have higher salinity then 34 ppt.

I made another batch of saltwater, this time using the instructions on the bucket, and not using my refractometer to fine-tune the SG. This way I eliminate my refractometer as a variable for error (even though I have it calibrated with lab grade standard refractometer solution to 35ppt). For the sake of curiosity I did check what the SG was with this mix, it was 1.025.

Using all brand new salifert test kits, I got:
kH - 8.9
Calc - 500+
Mg - 1440

Using my older red sea test kits confirmed the high numbers, but the results were not exactly the same.

The card stated the values should be:
kH - 8
Calc - 410
Mg - 1320

I don't expect the test kits to read exactly what the paper card says, but these values aren't even close, and using 2 different test kits, my probability for error is lessened.

I'm trying to dial in my dosing for the Components 1 2 3 part, and this is making it kind of difficult to figure out whats going on.

Thanks for any help or suggestions guys

 

[Debora]

I am sure that Your salinity is higher then 1.025 S.G.

Debora.

 

[Yonp11]

I am sure that Your salinity is higher then 1.025 S.G.

Debora.

Thanks Debora, I ordered a different calibration fluid from a different company for the refractometer, you and AF both agree this is what is happening.

If this is the case, pretty frustrating that my refractometer has been inaccurate this whole time...