Calcium #'s

[jwill275]

I'm trying to bring up my calcium but I can't seem to get it over 280. I'm using the Kent Calcium additive. My tank is 120 gal/phospahate - 0 / amonia, trite and trates 0 / hardness 11.3.
I tried purple up for a couple of days, the corraline algae appears better but my calcium is stll low. Any help is appreciated. I have three fishes, all small - sailfin tang, tomato clown, flame hawkfish.

Thanks

 

[TimSalty]

Heard a good article.

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/feb2003/chem.htm

Tim

 

[teen]

whats your magnesium

 

[Monkeyfish]

Check the magnesium and double check your alkalinity. What's the pH? Are you sure the test kit(s) are still good? Are there any corals in the tank?

 

[shyland83]

First i would make sure your test kit is accurate, possibly test a friends water that has a known calcium, or a fresh batch of salt water.

Second, i would test your magnesium. if your magnesium is low, you will have a hard time getting your calcium up.

Third, Make sure your salinity is good. You want it up near 1.026. If your salinity is low, your calcium will be low.

 

[Fragmented 99]

Use this link to determine how much to add

http://jdieck1.home.comcast.net/~jdieck1/chemcalc.html

 

[yeahcheetah]

Take a small volume of the tank water (5-10ml), then add some of your Ca additive, then test the Ca with your kit. You should see a huge difference. If it doesn't, it is almost likley your kit is inaccuate.

 

[shyland83]

also, what salt mix are you using?