Problems if calcium too high?

[preef]

So, I've been battling an RTN / STN issue. I bought another API calcium test for a sanity check. My old test reads 420 and my new one reads 520. Calcium has been as high as 480 with the old test which should put it around 580 with the new. I don't know which test is correct. If the new one is correct and my calcium level has been as high as 580 can this cause significant SPS issues?

I'll be picking up a Salifert calcium test today. Hopefully it agrees with one of the API tests.

 

[JamesJR]

Yes having a calcium level too high can cause problem because it can precipitate out calcium carbonate and this will lower the alkalinity levels. What are your Magnesium levels?

 

[preef]

Alk is around 8.3, Mg is around 1350.

 

[serpentman]

How are you maintaining Ca and Alk (two part, reactors, etc.)?

Like James said, it will make maintaining sufficient alk difficult. I'm not sure of any toxicity at extreme levels as water will only hold so much. My guess is prolonged exposure to low alk might cause some trouble. I would not add any Ca until it comes back down. You can supplement alk slowly which should also help correct things.

 

[Justin74]

How are you maintaining Ca and Alk (two part, reactors, etc.)?

Like James said, it will make maintaining sufficient alk difficult. I'm not sure of any toxicity at extreme levels as water will only hold so much. My guess is prolonged exposure to low alk might cause some trouble. I would not add any Ca until it comes back down. You can supplement alk slowly which should also help correct things.

+1, or is that 2 now?

I can personally attest to the damage and proposed difficulties high calcium can bring. Seems the trend with the salts these days is ALL the calcium and TWICE the alk..Can you say JOLT Cola? :fun4:


-Justin

 

[preef]

I'm 2 part dosing.

I was dosing manually once a day. I just installed a controller and dosing pumps yesterday. I'm am now dosing a little each hour in an effort to stop alk swings. I've turned off Ca dosing for now.

 

[JamesJR]

I wouldn't make any drastic changes until you are sure of your calcium levels. 580 is definitely very high and I am a little doubtful that your levels were this high if your alkalinity has been around 8.3. What make of Alkalinity kit have you been using? I've personally had problems with the salifert alk kit I was using as it seemed to be reading lower than my tank had always been showing.