[StrangeCloud]

I'm using the Aquarium Systems calcium test. It says to add the drops and swirl until the color changes to a "pure blue." My question is, what is "pure blue?" It starts off almost a bright pink, then at about 30 drops starts changing to a purplish color. Gets a little more "blueish" with each drop. To my eyes it doesn't turn to a "pure blue" until I'm up at 40-45 drops! That would have my calcium at 600-675. I have no idea whether I'm getting an accurate reading. Any ideas on what constitutes "pure blue?" Or any suggestions on a better calcium test kit?

[Reefland]

Is this an Aquarium Systems test or Salifert? I use Salifert and it turns BLUE.

[StrangeCloud]

It's Aquarium Systems.

[Reefland]

I have never used it, but it sounds like the Salifert. With the Salifert, there is a gradual change to blue with each drop and then all of the sudden it will turn completely blue, unmistakable.

[StrangeCloud]

hmmm ... then if I am reading it right my calcium is way too high. Have to rectify that.

[Reefland]

It is worthwhile in your case to try and get a second result before trying to correct something that may/maynot be wrong. A second tester (LFS) or with another test is the way to go at this time. In the meantime, what is your ALK?

[StrangeCloud]

Yeah I think I'll have the LFS test it. ALK is hovering between 6 and 7 dh

[StrangeCloud]

OK here is the frightening thing. The calcium is very high. I tested it using the Aquarium Systems test, depsite my colorblindness, and I was reading 690. Crazy, huh? Took a sample to the LFS and she tested with the Salifert and got an even higher number. So she some half and half with IO water and re-tested and got an even HIGHER number. Yes, I have some snow. Not a blizzard, but defintely some flurries.

I did a water change and checked the water before adding. Using Reef Crystals and had it 1.024. Calcium tested at 525. I went ahead and did the water change, but I think maybe the Reef Crystals is part of the problem. Anyone else had that problem with Reef Crystals?

Alkalinity is a little low. Now between 7-8dh. PH maintaining at 8.1 - 8.2.

Coral are doing ok but starting to worry me. Any suggestions on the best approach to fixing the problem?

Oh, I was adding Kent calcium, but since I discovered it was so high I started using ESV B-ionic and just adding some alkalinity part 1. Doesn't seem to have made any difference. Calcium still climbing.

[Reefland]

Stop using both for a few weeks, continue with your water changes and see what happens.

[StrangeCloud]

I've been doing regular weekly 10 gallon water changes, plus a few extras for the past 6-7 weeks and the calcium level is still sky high. In fact I got my highest reading today at 810. I haven't added any calcium at all since sometime in early March. This is driving me nuts.