Calcium test kits

[Anonymous]

What test kits do you use for measuring calcium?

I purchased the Red Sea kit and did a couple of tests. I dont know if I should believe the test. I want to get some lps eventually and I have read that require the calcium to be >400ppm. I had some coralline algae growing about six months ago but in the past couple of months the algae is disappearing. The test kit said I had 450ppm.

??????

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grapefruit plant

 

[Anonymous]

My LFS told me that the Red Sea test kit did not work. I've used the Hagen test kit for over a year. I recently ordered a Salifert test kit based upon the recommendation of this board. The salifert kit showed my CA at 370. The hagen kit tested it a 440. I also got a Salifert alk and magnesium kit. The alk tested at 2.7 with the Salifert vs. 3.25 using my old test kit by Seanalysis. My mag tested at around 900. I've never tested that before.

So, based on the Salifert I am increasing my dosage of Bionic. I beleive this may explain why my coraline growth is not where it should be.

Lesson learned..Always research the board for answers to your question..Never listen to LFS about much of anything.

Louey

[ March 08, 2002: Message edited by: Louey ]</p>

 

[Anonymous]

I use the Salifert test kit, based on the number of people around here that recommended them. It takes a little bit longer than a standard test kit, but the results are pretty accurate. I was so happy with it I got the Alk and Nitrate test kits, and was glad I did. I'm very happy with them all.

Peace,

Chip

 

[MattM]

The Tropic Marin Calcium kit is quite accurate as well. I find it easier to use and read than the Salifert, but others may disagree.

 

[Marcosreef]

<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by MattM:
<strong>The Tropic Marin Calcium kit is quite accurate as well. I find it easier to use and read than the Salifert, but others may disagree.</strong><hr></blockquote>

I agree, the Tropic marin kit is very good. I have tried the Salifert kit, and am switching back to the TM. My reason is, the color change from light blue to clear is easier to discern. I do like the Salifert kit as well, both very good. (IMO)

 

[Dan81]

I also don't use Kalk and over the 4 months my tank has been setup my corraline algae growth has exploded. I do occasionally dose witha calcium supplement. My rock was approx. 30% covered when i got them and now they are around 60% covered.

 

[toptank]

I use Saliferts for ca and alk.

Barry

 

[Anonymous]

Rob,
The red sea kits work, but often they don't. In general, calcium kits should be suspect.

Your reading doesn't sound too wacky.

 

[Anonymous]

The readings dont sound bad, just that I am not getting any new coraline growth and the coraline that was on the live rocks is fading from dark pink to a light pale pink. I am wondering because I dont drip Kalk. All of my other corals, leathers, forgspawn, mushrooms are doing fine. I will start dripping kalk this weekend though.
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define inflation

 

[Anonymous]

if you're worried about calcium, you should also worry about alk--corals use both calcium and carbonate (alkalinity) to make CaCO3. I shoot for 2.5-4.0 meq/l