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Calcium lvls too high

Sdeluca10

Well-Known Member
BRS Member
Idk why, but I’m finding I’m testing my calcium lvls north of 490 on a consistent basis. Without even adding calcium supplement. Haven’t added calcium in over 2 months now if not more. Currently It’s 554.
I use Kent marine salt when doing changes every 5-7 weeks
Note: using Hanna testers
Phos 0.13
Nitrate 6.8
Alk 10.8
Mag 1410

I just can get calcium levels to drop.
Only reason for my concern is that there are a few corals in my tank that I feel are being overcome with calcium.
Normally GSP are like weeds. In my tank they’re dying off. Same with firecracker polyps, dying off.
Leathers doing great, torches and SPS doing well with no signs of distress. Anemones appearance is normal.

Any thoughts??
 
Idk why, but I’m finding I’m testing my calcium lvls north of 490 on a consistent basis. Without even adding calcium supplement. Haven’t added calcium in over 2 months now if not more. Currently It’s 554.
I use Kent marine salt when doing changes every 5-7 weeks
Note: using Hanna testers
Phos 0.13
Nitrate 6.8
Alk 10.8
Mag 1410

I just can get calcium levels to drop.
Only reason for my concern is that there are a few corals in my tank that I feel are being overcome with calcium.
Normally GSP are like weeds. In my tank they’re dying off. Same with firecracker polyps, dying off.
Leathers doing great, torches and SPS doing well with no signs of distress. Anemones appearance is normal.

Any thoughts??
stupid question but how old it you Ca test kit? Also have you tested fresh mixed water in your bucket to rule out it is not a salt issue? Do you typically keep Alk above 10 DKH? I have run Ca at high levels and have never encountered what you are noting especially with GSP not doing well?
 
Well the kits are only as old as the manufacturers i purchase them from. I guess all kits regularly and replace as needed.
I am not in the habit of testing water prior to it being part of my system due to the cost of reagents and the fact that I use my own RO water with freshly replaced filters
 
just as a data point, my calcium currently hovers around 500 and I have seen no ill effects. I might bring it down a bit if I could control it separately, but since I use Kalkwasser and a calcium reactor, both of my additives add alkalinity and calcium so I can't.

Honestly, I'd advocate just for stability at this point. Your numbers seems good overall. Have they changed much in the last couple of months? any other system changes?
 
When you mix your saltwater what are you using to test the salinity?
Having both all and calcium high normally indicates the saltwater is mixed a bit stronger than it needs to be.
 
Well the kits are only as old as the manufacturers i purchase them from. I guess all kits regularly and replace as needed.
I am not in the habit of testing water prior to it being part of my system due to the cost of reagents and the fact that I use my own RO water with freshly replaced filters
just want to make sure you don’t have a bad batch of salt possibly with high calcium
 
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