High Calcium?

[TheFatBoy]

I dont have much of a test kit (API Master).

It says my salinity is at 500.

My dkh is 13

My nitrates are right around 10.

Is my calcium being so high a real bad thing? I havent dosed it in a long time...

 

[divemonster]

@TheFatBoy wrote:

did you mean calcium rather than salinity?

 

[TheFatBoy]

oops, yes. My salinity is about 1.024

 

[DaveJ]

Your calcium may or may not be quite that high. Correct me if I am wrong, but the API kits are setup for 25ppm per drop right?? That means that its sensitivity is 25ppm, but it also has an accuracy factor built in. Regardless though, if you don't have snow in the tank I wouldn't worry about it. I usually run 460-480.

The key will be your Mg number, if its up around 1350-1400 or a tad higher you're fine.

 

[TheFatBoy]

i dont have an mg test... ill have to get one

 

[divemonster]

@TheFatBoy wrote:

I don't have one either. Once I'm ready to invest the $$ (they cost 4x what other test kits cost) in one then I'll get it. In the meantime I think I'll ask my LFS test the Mg for me.

 

[bimmerzs]

@divemonster wrote:

I don't have one either. Once I'm ready to invest the $$ (they cost 4x what other test kits cost) in one then I'll get it. In the meantime I think I'll ask my LFS test the Mg for me."]

Just remember...magnesium is like the third most abundant element in the ocean and plays a vital role in having balanced water chemistry. If you can invest $30, $40 or more in a single coral.....at least invest in something that will help keep that coral not only alive, but flourishing.

Cheers,

 

[Drew]

@bimmerzs wrote:

Well said Ron, to often people will throw lots of money into corals and forget all about the basic elements that keep them alive. I've been guilty of it numerous times myself, buying corals or fish over what I went into the store to get, like a bottle of Tech-m or a bucket of salt.
Drew

 

[divemonster]

@bimmerzs wrote:

Yes, Mg is very important to the overall chemistry picture. But since I'm not investing in corals at the moment, nor will I be keep anything that is not gulf of mexico/caribbean specific, the sense of urgency to run out and get this kit immediately is not there at the moment.

Thanks for your thoughts Ron Experienced reefkeepers like you help us novices realize all those little details we do not think of or know. 8)

 

[ReefGod]

I wish my Ca was that high, for some reason i've reached the limit on my 2 part b-ionic. My Ca is always around 350, my dKH is always around 8, i'm dosing 4 30ml cups a day of each and nothing is rising.

 

[bimmerzs]

@ReefGod wrote:

Sounds like low magnesium is limiting you here. Your corals look awesome though.

Cheers,

 

[ReefGod]

Thanks Ron, i've been dumping mg by the gallons over the past few months, Ca wont budge over 350, weird. My Mg is still below the norm around 1200 from what i recall.

 

[bimmerzs]

@ReefGod wrote:

It takes a incredible amount to raise mag levels....and I mean incredible as in "you gotta be kidding me amounts". You usually kick it to x3 calcium level or 1350-1400ppm range but you should limit daily increase to 100 pmm to avoid stressing your coral's. If your mg is below 1200ppm then that would most likely be your problem with not being able to get Ca/Alk to rise. :wink: Good luck..... :lol:

Cheers,

 

[J_G]

@bimmerzs wrote:

It takes a incredible amount to raise mag levels....and I mean incredible as in "you gotta be kidding me amounts". You usually kick it to x3 calcium level or 1350-1400ppm range but you should limit daily increase to 100 pmm to avoid stressing your coral's. If your mg is below 1200ppm then that would most likely be your problem with not being able to get Ca/Alk to rise. :wink: Good luck..... :lol:

Cheers,"]

well said! I agree