calcium and alk problems

[burkleman]

Ok my chemistry problem has to do with calcium. I just tested my water and it is around 850 ppm (yes I know that this is about twice what it should be) and the alkilinity test that I have is simple and only shows low, normal and high; my water tested really low.I borrowed a calcium titration test kit from the lfs about 2 months ago and it was around the same maybe even a little higher, not sure what brand it was but the titration test kit that I used tonight I bought new last friday and it is a red sea brand kit. I used it to test the water last friday when I got the kit and the calcium was around 900 ppm. So this is really the 3rd test result like this in about 2 months and I have not supplimented calcium in over 2 weeks.How can I fix this situation. I have not really had any noticable problems to speak of, so it is not really an emergency. I do also plan on getting a better titration test for alkilinity with in the next week or so. Any and all suggestions are welcome. Thanks in advance.

Brandon

 

[steve the plumb]

some of the cheap test kits work well.Salifert is a good test kit for alk and calcium.Is it snowing in the tank.This has happened to my friend when adding cal additives at levels that were high.Your levels are very high.You can do water changes.This will lower the calcium levels.I have never gone over 500 ppm.My friend has had levels of 600 ppm.You should keep them at around 440 ppm.If you are worried water changes should help.Have you been dosing calcium and not testing for it.If so try not to do that.

 

[bertoni]

An alkalinity test kit that gives a number is very useful in this type of situation. For the moment, you could try dosing some baking soda to bring up the alkalinity. It should be dissolved in fresh water and the poured into the tank.

For the moment, I'd suggest that you stop dosing anything that adds calcium. What kinds of supplements are you using? What salt are you using?

I'd probably dose 1tsp of baking soda at a shot, and watch the alkalinity and pH carefully.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

I agree. I would stop all calcium, and dose only alkalinity. Keep it in the high end of the range until you get an actual number kit. Baking soda is a fine way to go. Calcium will decline on its own over time.

Also, if you are using a salt mix like Oceanic that has excessive calcium in it, that may also contribute to the elevated calcium level.


These links may be useful:

Reef chemicals calculator
http://home.comcast.net/~jdieck1/chem_calc3.html

Solving Calcium and Alkalinity Problems
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/nov2002/chem.htm

Reef Aquarium Water Parameters
http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-05/rhf/index.htm