prob with cal levels

[tazsbaby99]

Last week my snails were lookin kinda sickly, so i tested the waters and they were fine, but then i tested my calcium level. it was 520, I did a water change and they started to perk up, but now a week later my crabs have eaten one of my snails, the other looks like its dieing tooo, i retested now im at 540.
I dont know what to do.
Please help.

 

[lion_crazz]

Do you dose calcium or anything into your tank?
What salt do you use?
Have you ever tested the calcium in your newly made batch of salt?

 

[tazsbaby99]

nope have never put any chemicals in the tank, becuz the tank is so small and i work alot now...i have been buying the aquatic gardens real ocean water (water in a box) but i have been using it since i switched from my 29 g to my 12 g nano.
No i never thought to test the ca in a new batch, have always tested the other levels and salinity level...but not ca level.

 

[lion_crazz]

I would test the calcium level and see what that gives you. You may want to consider switching salts if you find that it is your salt that is giving you such a high calcium level.
Do you test for alkalinity?

 

[tazsbaby99]

Thanks for your help, i will test the ca level in the new water before i put it in.
Yes i test the alk levels as well as ph and sal and nitrates and nitrites and ammonia.
I havent been able to get the purple to spread thoughout my rocks, its just in some places...but i havent been able to find any purple up.
I have alot of things that look kinda like transparent spaghetti noodles, that come out of my rock and sand but other then that all i have in my tank is 4 hermits (was 5..but one disappeared, left his shell behind) and i had 3 turbo snails. now i only have 1 1/2..lol the one is pretty much dead.
Im wondering if i should just start over...i have extra sand that isnt in the tank. but if i do that, will it cycle again?
Thanks for the help

 

[catawaba]

Anyone else have experience with the water in a box? I've been contemplating buying it....Thanks.