calcium

[ed102475]

I tested my calcium and its around 360-380.This is my first time testing I used the API test and the end color on the paper is very purple I took note when it turned blue and it was around 360-380
in the directions it states that it turns blue at the end color but the picture is purple.I added about 6 more drops and the color did not change to purple so i guess that blue should be the end color.Anyway has anyone used this test kit?If so what color do i stop at?Also what should my calcium be at? I have some Reef complete by seachem it says it raises calcium and maintains magnesium & strontium any one using this?

 

[Michael]

hi-ed tbh im not familliar with that test kit, i do hear they are good kits though and i assume its accurate, as for calcium levels, 420 ish is considered ok, i keep mine fairly high though at 440-to even 500 which is considered high,it works for me because my system uses up calcium readily, if you are only fish only or have just a few softies then 400- 420 will be fine out of interest ed, whats your magnesium level? im guessing slightly low at 1200 ish

 

[ed102475]

I don't have a test for that yet my tank is 4 months old and I am just learning about reef systems.I have been in the saltwater hobby for 5 years but had very few corals in the past.I have a Galaxy and a candy cane but the rest are zoas,rics and mushrooms.

 

[Michael]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14855207#post14855207 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ed102475
I don't have a test for that yet my tank is 4 months old and I am just learning about reef systems.I have been in the saltwater hobby for 5 years but had very few corals in the past.I have a Galaxy and a candy cane but the rest are zoas,rics and mushrooms.

well you still own and care for corals and so i recommend you purchase magnesium, alk, and ph as well as the calcium kit you currently are using, keeping magnesium stable and the ph will bring everything together for you and help the system

 

[ed102475]

I just need the magnesium test i have the rest of them.Do you know of a good one?

 

[Michael]

i use salifert myself ed, very accurate and a good buy, there are others of course, i believe there are 2-3 different makes redily available in the states, ive not tried any others except red sea which i didnt personally like using, so salifert if you can get hold of 1 is a good choice ed. good luck

 

[Flipper62]

Hey Ed,

I use the Salifert Mag test. Its the only one that have been using for a few years now. I like it. You can get from Dr. Fosters & Smith...or AquaCave on line. Most of the LFS also sell it around here.

 

[mustang51js]

to answer your question, once it goes from pink to purple that is when i stop, ive done the same as you and it never gets to the color on the paper, so just go by when it does the drastic change

 

[ed102475]

Well it goes from pink to blue but never purple the directions say stop when it reaches blue but the end color sample is purple.

As the end-point is approached, the color will usually change from pink to purple before finally changeing to blue.After the purple color forms, only one or two more drops should be required to reach the blue endpoint.

The endpoint color is purple in the book.GRRR

 

[eros]

When you see a color change stop adding drops. That's your reading

 

[46FiatYamaha]

I also stop as soon as there is a drastic change in color. Sometimes you'll get a color not quite purple and still a little pink, so it's one more drop after that and you're done