Calcium test kit?

[mil hse]

I am curently using API test kits... but my cal level is off the chart? i (520+) i don't dose anything right now. This is in my 6gal nano which i do a1 gal water change every 3 days... jsut wondering if there are any other good calicum test kits i can use? everything in my tank is fully open and doing well so im not too worried but i would like a 2nd opnion.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

What salt mix? Some mixes are more than 500 ppm as mixed:

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1287118

 

[vivioo7]

Why are you changing so much water? Im not familiar with nanos but larger tanks are recommended to change 30% per month. Your doing about 17% every three days. Anyway API test kits are usually terrible your ca might really be at 300. Salifert is a very accurate kit but kinda expensive.

 

[snorvich]

Elos test kits are excellent. Not cheap, though.

 

[jefathome]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13866955#post13866955 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by vivioo7
Why are you changing so much water? Im not familiar with nanos but larger tanks are recommended to change 30% per month. Your doing about 17% every three days. Anyway API test kits are usually terrible your ca might really be at 300. Salifert is a very accurate kit but kinda expensive.

They usually have a higher bio-load, and thus soil the water faster.

 

[mil hse]

My nano has a HIGH bio load right now so that is why im doing the water changes so much.

Im using seachem reef salt.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

The salt is then the likely source of the calcium as Seachem has 500+ ppm of calcium. if you want it lower, maybe try a lower calcium mix, but 500 ppm is not a big problem.

 

[Rueg]

I like API test kits and use them, but have noticed as well that their calcium test kit gives really high results. I am guessing 30-50 higher than what it actually is. I have used Salifert in the past and liked them. Probably will go back to Salifert for the calcium test kit. There doesn't seem to be a inexpensive calcium test kit that is accurate.

 

[mil hse]

Ok. well i just wanted to make sure that it wasn't just my error

 

[Billybeau1]

Everyone has an opinion on test kits.

I haven't had any problems with the API calcium kit as long as the reagents weren't over 18 months old. (the date is stamped on the bottle)

My API calcium kit matches the Salifert and the Elos pretty close.

The only thing you give up with API is an exact number as API reports results in 20 ppm increments. This is not important to many reefers and the price is certainly budget friendly.

 

[mil hse]

well basiclyi just wanted to make sure that it wasn't just me screwing up. I have tested before (another brand on a diff tank) this is my first time with this salt. And first time with a nano so i jsut wanted to make sure things wrere where there suppose to be. Most people seem to have there Cal level at about the 450 mark. I ve never had a problem with too much cal its always not enough if you know what im saying.

 

[Billybeau1]

I know exactly what you are saying. Your good to go as far as I see.