High Calcium HELP!

[ggee1]

A question that we are not able to find the answer too! We have 150 gallon reef aquarium, 175 watt halide, 2 superblue 30 watt actinics, generally on from 9am to 6pm. We noticed that some of the corals we dying back so we decided to test calcium on a daily basis. We dose the tank with B-Ionics, but have noticed the calcium jump from 490ppm to over 900ppm. We have discontinued the B-Ionic dose for the past week and still see the jump in calcium????? We have also done 25% or more H2O change, which brings the level down to 490ppm but within 24hrs the calcium jumps again. We have also used two different test kits and the readings are the same. Any ideas????

 

[AF Founder]

A question that we are not able to find the answer too! We have 150 gallon reef aquarium, 175 watt halide, 2 superblue 30 watt actinics, generally on from 9am to 6pm. We noticed that some of the corals we dying back so we decided to test calcium on a daily basis. We dose the tank with B-Ionics, but have noticed the calcium jump from 490ppm to over 900ppm. We have discontinued the B-Ionic dose for the past week and still see the jump in calcium????? We have also done 25% or more H2O change, which brings the level down to 490ppm but within 24hrs the calcium jumps again. We have also used two different test kits and the readings are the same. Any ideas????

I doubt if calcium has anything to do with your problems. How many 175 watt MH bulbs do you have; if you have only one it is not enough light? For a 150-gallon tank you would need at least 3.

 

[ggee1]

There's there's actually two 175 watt bulbs in the Hamilton Hood. This tank has been up and running for a number of years and never had this problem. Tested it yesterday and saw that the levels are at 900ppm, prior to the water change. The corals have been doing so well until now, all the other levels are fine and are between norm. I assumed that it might have been the test kits but we have used two different type of kits and get the same reading. I do agree with the fact that calcium just can't jump up on it's own, but something is causing a chem problem in the tank that I cannot figure out.

 

[AF Founder]

Now check your alkalinity level.

 

[ggee1]

Alk=10.2 dkh
pH=8.0
Salinity=1.023
Phos=.1ppm
Mg=1320ppm
Calcium= 900ppm

These were readings from yesterday when the calcium was around 900ppm. Today I did 25% H2O change and will re-test later this afternoon.

Thanks for helping me out here, I appreciate it!

 

[Anonymous]

I would question the test kit. They do go bad over time.

Test your CA with a different kit and see what the reading is.

Louey

 

[AF Founder]

He's quite correct, check your test kit. As far as I know a concentration like that is not possible.

 

[ggee1]

Ok I've tested with both the Seachem and the Seifert both are getting the same readings... however, today the level has gone from 900ppm to 800ppm. I would have questioned the Seachem test kit, but not the Seifert since it's brand new. I did also test the Alk and found it to be lower then the last time I tested, 6.4 dkh.