Reef Crystals Low Calcium?

[Mad Cow]

I have been using Reef Crystals for the past couple months and in a moment of genius I decided it might be a good idea to test my change water. Can it really be only 200ppm? I am using API test and I know its not the best but can it be that off? My Salinity is 1.025 with a calibrated Refractometer.

 

[JohnK]

IIRC regular IO usually tests at about 330 Ca. I'd expect reefcrystals to be a little higher than that, but I've never used it.

In general, it's %100 normal for salt mixes to be a bit low in Ca. This isn't necessarily good IMO, but that seems to be the way it is?

I'd guess that the test kit may have been off a bit, but 200 is still really low. What does that kit say when you test your display?

Has this water had some time to mix and airate? IIRC synthetic salt mixes take some time to stabalize. If it hasn't been mixing for at least several hours, I'd suggest giving it some more time and testing again.

While your at it, I'd suggest also checking the alk and Mg just to be safe.

EDIT;
Your going to the mtg, right? Bring a water sample, there will be testing available there, I think more accurate testing at that...
http://www.bostonreefers.org/forums/showthread.php?t=43530

 

[Mad Cow]

Thanks Jimmy. I have been battling Calcium since I started putting some LPS in my tank. Display reads low currently at 320ppm and a week ago it was as low as 240ppm. I have been bringing it up first with Turbo Calcium and for the past 3 days I have been using B-Ionic. Alk in the display is currently 11 dKH and change water tested at 6dKH. The water in Stoneham is very soft and when I tested ALK straight from my RO/DI unit I couldn't even get a register. I have raised the change water to 10 dKH with 1ml of B-Ionic Component 1. Water has been circulating for 4 hours with a 240gph power head. I currently do not test for Magnesium but I now know its probably a good idea.

 

[JohnK]

The RODI should be undectable for alk so that's not a problem

Let the water mix overnight and see if it tests any different tomm.

 

[Mad Cow]

Thanks Jimmy. It tested at 300ppm this morning without any additives. Still not good though.

I added 1/4 tsp of Turbo Calc this morning and 2 hours later the change water is testing at 400ppm. 11dKH. Hopefully I am safe.