Salifert Calcium Test

[nine9d]

Does anyone know exactly when you take the reading from the calcium test kit. It says when it turns a clear blue. Does that actually mean "clear" or does it mean just when the water in the vile turns blue. There is a difference you know. Thank you.

[foxstop]

I thought it was a Titration type test so it's when the color changes and stays that color. It's usually a deep blue for me.

Brian

[cybertomtbcb]

Brian is on the money.

[andro]

I also agree with Brian.

[Tomzpc]

When they say "clear" blue I think that they're trying to emphasize blue and not saying that it will be "clear" as in see through, if that makes sense. It can be confusing. When it still looks purpleish, keep adding drops until it is unmistakeably blue. That's how I've always done it. Deep blue like Brian said.

[foxstop]

I need to get in and observe some of my Chemistry teachers more. One lesson I observed was a pretty cool one on titration.:D

[masterswimmer]

I wind up using everything in my dropper and the color never changes. Guess I'm over 500 Ca. And I don't know how much over 500 I am since its never changed for me.

Russ

[seaham358]

If your using additives I would stop till you can get a reading.

[Tomzpc]

Russ,

Are you using B-Ionic? What's your alk. at?

[masterswimmer]

Hey Bob, Tom,
Not dosing anything at the moment. With Ca seemingly over 500 I didn't see the need to dose Calcium. So any other suggestions?

Russ

[seaham358]

It may take a few days for the level to come back down. How is the Alk? You may just need to add the alkalinity for a while. This has happened to me several times. When I did my last water change with the new Oceanic salt it shot my Cal off the charts, it came down after a few days.
The next time you test and you use the whole syringe fill another and keep adding till it turns blue, that should give you an idea how much over 500 you are.

[Tomzpc]

Russ...still wondering what your alkalinity is..

[foxstop]

I'm curious what your ALK is too Russ.

Also, check out this thread in the SPS Forum: http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=377709&perpage=25&pagenumber=1 (http://archive.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=377709&perpage=25&pagenumber=1)

Lots of commentary on Oceanic Salt. Folks are happy with it for sure. Most seem to indicate really high calcium which may be what's causing your high calcium readings too.

Brian

[masterswimmer]

Dkh = 6.4
Alk = 2.29

I know it's low but it seems to be low and within the range stated by E. Borneman.

Russ

[Tomzpc]

Russ,

You have to get the alkalinity and calcium in balance. If you're using B-ionic, then just add part 1 (alk) daily or baking soda and keep testing both alk and calcium at the end of the day. It'll be hard to get your calcium levels back to normal without raising the alkalinity first.

Read this (http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/nov2002/chem.htm) article by Randy Holmes Farley (The Man). I believe that "zone 4" in the article refers to your situation.

[masterswimmer]

Tom,
Great article. I read it and I posed a few questions to Randy. http://archive.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&postid=2974440#post2974440
Thanx for putting me in the right direction.

Russ

[foxstop]

Hmmm... the plot thickens:D http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=380896 (http://archive.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=380896)

[masterswimmer]

Originally posted by foxstop
Hmmm... the plot thickens:D http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=380896 (http://archive.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=380896)

Damn, I hate when those monkey wrenches get thrown in there.

Russ

[Tomzpc]

Russ,

Do you by any chance have some Instant Ocean salt? If so, it'd be very helpful in getting your alk/cal back in balance by using IO for water changes for a bit (IO's calcium is usually between 350-375) IME.

[masterswimmer]

Not a bad idea Tom......only prob is, I just gave Ross my only bucket. I'm going to try the ole baking soda routine anyway.

I'll let you know how it turns out,
Russ