testing for calcium

[weluvfish54]

im getting into coral, just softies for now...
need some advice on testing for calcium though. need someone to explain step by step really how to do it, you pour in the second liquid and when it BEGINS to change color at the top, then thats the amount you go off? or does the entire test tube need to change color to be accurate...need help!
ive asked around but still somewhat confused =/
also what else should i be testing for? mag?
not even sure what that is yet.
i dont test for alk but iv heard from some i should- some its not a biggie...
just some advice would be cool for a newbie =)

 

[Electrobes]

Well first of all what brand of test kit do you have.. after that we'll go from there

 

[Electrobes]

The three or four main things to be testing for are Calc, Mag, Alk, and pH. Alk and pH are related but you'll understand everything is you head on over to the chemistry forum and read some articles in the sticky. I promise you that it will clear a lot of questions up and have you up to speed in no time.

 

[weluvfish54]

chem

chem

the test kit i have is API calcium ca2+ or whatever lol..
i test for PH and keep it at about 8.2, whats the most accurate way to test for PH also?
chemistry forum...on my way there =D

 

[Electrobes]

Yeah just look at the above stickies.. there are a lot of articles but it'll be your best read for reefing... hands down. Also Randy, Bertoni, and Boomer are great people to talk to!

Unfortunately I do not know what API tests look like... hopefully someone else can chime in here...

 

[SABOB]

With API Calcium test,when you start adding the drops from bottle #2 make sure you cap and shake .If you have an idea of calcium level you can add several drops at once,then shake.I look at entire tube not just the top.

 

[ReefTECK]

multiply # of drops by 20ppm= total ppm

ideal 380-500