How is a calcium level this high possible?

[KillerReef]

I just tested my tank for calcium for the first time in about 3 years, because I am in the process of getting it back to where it should be. Anyways, I have done nothing to raise my calc levels(I used to dose Bionic 3 years ago) in those 3 years and my results shocked me. They came back at 700. I am using API tests. I have nothing in my tank that uses calcium. The only thing I have done recently is change out 20 gallons(80 gallon tank) over the past 3 weeks with IO salt mix.

Is it possible to have my levels that high? Or did I do something wrong?

TIA,
Dave

 

[demonboy369]

I would reccomend retesting, if the same comes up I would take it to the LFS to get tested.

Whats your PH? Could be dissolving the sand and live rock.

IO salt usually has a calcium level of about 350-380. Even without calcium users in the tank water changes would take out as it puts back in. No build up that way.

You do have corralline dont you? After 3 years I would imagine you would. That uses calcium.

Either ph is way off or your test is off. How old is the test kit?

 

[camlov2]

Doubt it.

First question- how old is the test kit you are using?
If it is 3 years old you need a new kit.
2nd- Did you follow the directions correctly?
I would reread the instructions and make sure- multiply your number of drops by 20 I believe. Did you really add 35 drops?
3rd- can you take a sample to your LFS and have them test your water?

good luck.

 

[thegrun]

Not possible, the calcium would start to solidify and you would see "snow" drifting through the tank long before you reached 700. Sounds like a bad test kit or error in testing. Have your local fish store test to confirm actual levels.

 

[luther1200]

+1 bad test kit, how old is it??? If its your old test kit from 3 years ago, its no good.

 

[KillerReef]

Kit's brand new, just got it today. Also ran ph, which is 8.2. I will retest and take it to the LFS if same comes back again.Yes I do have coralline, didn't think about that.

And I did follow the directions exactly and dropped 35 times. I thought it was a bit suspicious when I reached 20 drops but kept going til it changed to blue.

Thanks for the replies...

 

[luther1200]

Try to do your tap water and see if you get a reasonable reading. Maybe you just got a bad kit.

 

[GrimReefer82]

did you put on the cap and shake it between every single drop? if you dont it will be way off.

 

[drstupid]

i'd borrow a friend's test kit they used on their system with good readings. i would not make any adjustments (except perhaps water changes, they'd be harmless at worst).

 

[KillerReef]

Grimreefer, yes I did, a pain in the ***, but I did...

luther, i'll try that, thanks...