Calcium out of wack

[creech72]

Just did a cal reading lastnight and it was at 700 and ph was 8.1. I did a 20% water change today and now its reading 1000 and ph is the same. How soon after the water change should i test. I only waited about 15 minutes. Should I use any kind of buffer?

 

[lion_crazz]

You definitely do not want a buffer if it is reading that high. What salt are you using?
Make up a 5 gallon bucket of water, aerate it, heat it, and in a few hours, test the calcium level in that.
What is your alkalinity?

 

[creech72]

I'm using Oceanic salt. I thought I had an Alk test but couldn't find it. Its a 25g reef thats been running for a few years now and everything in is fine. Can high cal readings be a problem?

 

[lion_crazz]

Yes, definitely. I find it hard to believe that your calcium is 1000 ppm though. I have never heard of it going that high. Oceanic can be known to have calcium problems though. If you can find your alk test kit, that will help fix the issue.

 

[acrylic51]

I would have someone double check your test results, seems way out of whack.....How long are you aerating your water change water for before you make the change.....Are you using tap or RO/DI water?

 

[creech72]

I couldn't believe it was that high either (1000). Maybe I made an error. Tomorrow Ill get another alk test and re-test again tomorrow.
Lion Crazz don't you remember me? I was one of your students from lastnight at your lecture concerning releasing animals into the wild

 

[creech72]

I used distilled water and aerated overnight.

 

[lion_crazz]

Originally Posted by creech72
I couldn't believe it was that high either (1000). Maybe I made an error. Tomorrow Ill get another alk test and re-test again tomorrow.
Lion Crazz don't you remember me? I was one of your students from lastnight at your lecture concerning releasing animals into the wild
Of course I remember you. How could I forget such a beautiful tank? I really like both of your tanks.