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calcium level "high"

rctaz74

Rick
Need some info on my calcium level. i am sure my test is over 500 ppm is this dangerous on the livestock. i know it's not good for my pumps and things of that sought. one more thing my coraline seems to be turning white. is this a sign of future problems. or is it calcium deposit. i just don't know!!!!
thanks in advance rick
 
What kind of test kit?
I'd bring a water sample to an LFS tomorrow for them to confirm.

Here's a bit of advice from OzReef:
If the calcium concentration is indeed high, 500+ ppm, then the alkalinity will be low. So the first thing to do is to measure the alkalinity. If that is low, then the calcium level may indeed be low, but if it isn't, then that indicates that the test kit reading is incorrect.

The second thing to do when some parameter is outside the applicable range, is validate the test kit that is being used. This involves using it to test a water sample of known concentration / amount to see if the test kit matches, or getting a second (and even a third wouldn't hurt) test kit from another source to determine the value. It is very likely with a high calcium reading and suitable alkalinity that the calcium test kit is faulty.

Third, if that is the true reading and alkalinity isn't low, then check the specific gravity. An above average value (1.024-1.026) will allow a higher concentration in the water. Therefore, if it is too high, around 1.030, then that may allow such an elevated level. In this case, slowly bring the specific gravity down either by water changes or removing tank water and replacing with pure water.

And finally, if you reach this point then simply don't worry about it. A high calcium level is not a problem as long there is not difficulty in maintaining alkalinity. May be back off a little with calcium supplementation and allow it to drift down naturally, or perform a water change or t[w]o. But don't be too concerned about it.

You can read more: http://ozreef.org/content/view/264/28/
 
Just to add, if the Ca is high and the alk low, I beleive the best fix is to wait a bit and the Ca will drop, then supplement the alk to get both into target levels.

Also, if the balance is off, check Mg. If this is off it will cause Ca/alk balance problems.
 
Moe_K said:
What kind of test kit?
I'd bring a water sample to an LFS tomorrow for them to confirm.

Here's a bit of advice from OzReef:


You can read more: http://ozreef.org/content/view/264/28/
i used a nutrafin test kit, that is a good idea to bring a sample to the lfs. its right up the street too. animal instincs in fall river.
thanks for the info. ill have to get a alk test kit tomorrow.
 
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Have them check the salinity too if they have a refractometer.

The only time I personally have seen a tank with high Ca, the culprit was elevated salinity because the person was using a swing arm hygrometer and it was way off. (Saying 1.024, but when tested with a refractometer it was more like 1.030).
 
jimmyj7090 said:
Have them check the salinity too if they have a refractometer.

The only time I personally have seen a tank with high Ca, the culprit was elevated salinity because the person was using a swing arm hygrometer and it was way off. (Saying 1.024, but when tested with a refractometer it was more like 1.030).
that could be it my salinity test is a swing arm type and ive had it for 6 years used for 2 years and stored it for 4 years. and now im back in to the hobby i had some used equipment. money is tight but a better meter will be on my xmas list.
 
If that is the problem, CRA, and I think AA both sell refractometers for very reasonable prices. A very worth while investment. I didn't believe it until Jeremy talked my into buying one. I brought it home and quickly learned that indeed, both my swing arms were way off. (Jeremy is a really good guy and would never talk someone into buying something they don't need, This and several other experiences have convinced me of that)

Edit; if you post and ask, I'm sure someone would be willing to bring a refractometer over so you can adjust your salinity to app levels. (assuming that's the problem) then you could see what your swing arm reads and you could use that reading as a good guestimate until you do get a refractometer. I'd offer but I'm pretty far away. If no one else offers help, I could bring mine over but I'm not sure how soon? Either way have the LFS check your water first, then you'll have a better idea what's off.
jk
 
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that is very nice of you willing to do that for me, i am pretty sure the lfs has one of them and ill bring my salinity test to get a quess of salinity for now for future water changes. thanks for all your help. ill keep us up on what is the problem.
 
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