Need help with Calcium and calcium tester

[rburt]

I'm having a hard time understanding if I'm correctly testing my calcium via the API test kit. I had to add 41 drops of #2 in order to get to the end blue point.

Does this mean my calcium is too high or too low:crazy1:? The instructions chart indicates that the more drops that are added the higher the calcuim level would be.

I does my tank with Brightwell Aquatics Calcium every other day and have not been able to get a good reading or I'm missing something.

Any help would be appretiated.

Thanks,
Richard

 

[bshumake]

Ideally the Ca test is a titration test, meaning the more #2 reagent needed to negate the substance, the higher the substances concentration. So if it takes 41 drops, that should mean your Ca is something like 802. Either that our your reagent #2 is really weak.

 

[rburt]

The test kit is about a year old. I'll pick up a new one to verify. If it still tests high, should I back off the and test daily until it gets down to 450?

Thanks

 

[jabo]

Try Salifert or something else API sux in my opinion!

 

[Rendos]

Salifert and Red Sea make great titration kits for calcium.

 

[bshumake]

Multiple water changes will decrease the calcium. That's your best bet.

 

[rburt]

I really appreciate everyone's help.