CA too high? lower?

[mrrob]

I am getting test results from my Ca test of over 500 ppm. I read that it should be in the 350-450 range. There is no talk on lowering Ca, only increasing. So is 500 ppm bad?

 

[pwnag3!!]

its not bad but you might start to precipitate calcium in the tank...
just do a water change and you should get it down.

 

[clarkiiclo]

Have you added any CA to the tank or any other supplements?

 

[mrrob]

no. we're looking to add corals. we want to test Ca before adding corals.

 

[clarkiiclo]

A water change will help a bit.
Also how long has your tank been up?

 

[mrrob]

year & a half. will do water change & see if that helps.

 

[6stokes]

A water change may or may not help. Where I live if using the city water, the calcuim will climb to 500 real easy. If you're using RO then the water changes will help.

 

[mrrob]

i use distilled water.

 

[meadbhb]

Hiya,
Have you tested your Alk and PH?
Meadbhb

 

[mrrob]

180 8.4

 

[6stokes]

Not sure if the distilled takes calcium out or not.

 

[mrrob]

I assume so, that is what distilled water is, water w/o any minerals....

 

[meadbhb]

Hiya,
You're PH seems a little high, I think it should be about 8.2. Also, I don't have my chart infront of me, but Alk should be 3 if I remember correctly. I don't know what number that would convert over to on your scale.
Sounds like a 10-15% water change may be in order.
Meadbhb

 

[mrrob]

anyone else???
I just did a water change last week.