Calcium Level is still at 550 ppm

[h2o]

I have stopped mixing kalswasser with refill di water for about a month because my calcium was always betwn 500- 550 ppm using Red sea test kit.
Last week I had a disastrous week with few death in my reef, so i changed about 10% water over the past few days to lower my nitrate, but each time I measure my calcium it's still at 550 ppm. about the only supplement i added was stronium and iodine. I even stopped using Kent tech CB for sometime.
can my aranonite sand act as buffer and keeps the calcium this high? my water isn't cloudy, but i worry. your feedback is appreciated.

 

[flameangel]

...and here I am....can't get mine above 280! Maybe if we met somewhere in the middle.....

Have you by any chance checked to see if your test kit is measuring properly, just to rule out the ovious easy stuff??

 

[dirtybilge]

I bet you test system is screwed up buy a new one theres no way your cal could still be 550 without supplimenting it.

 

[predator]

If it is not the test then I would not worry unless it's screwing with your alk or ph. I keep mine around 500ppm at all times.

 

[broomer5]

Assuming your test kits are giving you decent results, there's a good chance that your tank's excess calcium is in part due to a deficiency of your carbonate alkalinity.
You did not mention your alkalinity or pH readings. That would be very helpful knowing these levels.
If you want to try an experiment without disturbing your tank, remove about 1 gallon of your tank water from the tank, and pour it into a clean plastic bucket or jug.
Take some alkalinity buffer, Kent Super dKH or similar product, about an 1/4 teaspoon or so, dissolve it in a 1/2 cup or so of RO water, stir it up until liquid is clear, and add this mixture to the 1 gallon of tank water.
Let it set a couple few hours, while stirring up the saltwater in the 1 gallon bucket now and then.
Then measure the calcium of the saltwater in the bucket and see what happens.
Chances are the calcium level will drop some due to increase in carbonate alkalinity. IF this is the case - then this will prove to you what needs to be done, with little risk to the tank for the moment.
Or you can try slowly raising the alkalinity of your tank over a week or so too, although you mentioned some recent troubles with the tank, so this may not be such a good idea.
And of course ... as mentioned above, if the calcium test kits numbers are bogus from the start, then all of this is for naught.
What are your alkalinity and pH readings if we may ask

 

[beth]

Most reef hobbyists don't care for Red Sea test kits. I've not used RS, so I can't speak for it. I do use their sea salt, and it is lacking in adequate calcium. Salifert is one of the best reef test kits. I suggest you see if you can get their calcium kit and test.

 

[h2o]

oops ! i should have got myself a Salifert test kit the last order from champion. I wasn't aware Red Sea Test kit isn't popular among reef hobbists.
My red sea doesn't have alk test. My phosphate is now 0, ph is 8.2, nitrate 2.5, calcium 550 from last measurement. will wait and see the outcome of next test. thanks for all replies.

 

[frankl15207]

Red Sea salt mix should provide a consistent reading of 450. If you aren't getting levels that high then something else is bringing them down (Perhaps RO water).