Calcium levels off the chart with Salifert test

[testuser]

For some odd reason, my calcium level is off the charts per my Salifert test. It's above 500 as it does not ever turn purple or blue and just stays pink. Is that an issue for my coral? I do regular water changes and nothing has lowered it. The expiration date for the test is 2027. What might I be doing wrong, or if not, is this an issue?

 

[PharmrJohn]

Well, it could be a couple of things. One, your performing the test wrong. Two, the test is not working properly despite the exp. date. Or perhaps you've been managing ALK with a product that has Calcium in it (and you hadn't considered it).

 

[PharmrJohn]

And we've seen here calcium levels approaching 1000 with no noticeable change in corals. At that point tho, I'd be worried about precipitation. How's your sandbed? Does it have a hard layer on top?

 

[testuser]

Well, it could be a couple of things. One, your performing the test wrong. Two, the test is not working properly despite the exp. date. Or perhaps you've been adding managing ALK with a product that has Calcium in it (and you hadn't considered it).

Historically I've had good luck with it working, circa 2 weeks ago. Not sure what changed exactly. So I think that knocks out the first two. As for the alkalinity additive, it's Red Sea so I imagine it's alright.

In either case, is it an issue if it's very high?

 

[testuser]

And we've seen here calcium levels approaching 1000 with no noticeable change in corals. At that point tho, I'd be worried about precipitation. How's your sandbed? Does it have a hard layer on top?

That's a good point, I see a lot of little rock like things on top, but I thought it was debris from the hermit crabs. I can take a picture later if you think it would be helpful.

 

[PharmrJohn]

If it's white, then it may be precipitation. But you'd also have a layer of it on your sand. If it's hard, that's the best way to determine.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

For some odd reason, my calcium level is off the charts per my Salifert test. It's above 500 as it does not ever turn purple or blue and just stays pink. Is that an issue for my coral? I do regular water changes and nothing has lowered it. The expiration date for the test is 2027. What might I be doing wrong, or if not, is this an issue?

Nothing g wrong with 550 ppm.

Use a second syringe of titrant to get to the endpoint and add the two syringe values together.

 

[testuser]

Nothing g wrong with 550 ppm.

Use a second syringe of titrant to get to the endpoint and add the two syringe values together.

Oh true, I didn't think to just do another syringe full of the reagent, thanks!

 

[testuser]

Nothing g wrong with 550 ppm.

Use a second syringe of titrant to get to the endpoint and add the two syringe values together.

Perfect guess by the way! It's just around 550! Thanks for the suggestion!

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Perfect guess by the way! It's just around 550! Thanks for the suggestion!

You’re welcome. That value is ok. Just don’t add more unless and until it drops. :)