High Ca Problem

[atdayahwh]

Hi Reefers,

Would like to check with your expert advise on issue with high Ca level. I have been observing Ca 550 since past fews months. Corals and fishes are doing good but is this something I need to worry about ? and also wanted to figure out the reason.

 

Dosing : none, except from adjusting PH when required

Salt : Aquaforest probiotic salt, specs say 410-430 mg/l

Salinity:1.026

Nitrate : 0

Phosphate: 0

PH : 8.2

KH :10

Corals:5 heads torch, 2 heads hammer, 2 heads branching hammer, GSP and mushrooms.

 

Thanks much in advance

 

 

 

 

 

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[Full Hedge]

Typically the biggest issue with running high calcium is abiotic precipitation of calcium as calcium carbonate.

[atdayahwh]

Sorry. Can you please explain more as I am not expert. Where is this calcium carbonate came from, salt mix? Should I leave it as it is ? Or how do I bring it down to decent level. Thanks


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[Full Hedge]

The major constituent of alkalinity is bicarbonate ion, at reef aquarium pH(8.1-8.4)  When a calcium ion bump into a bicarbonate ion, they form calcium bicarbonate which then kicks out the two hydrogen ions to form calcium carbonate.

when calcium or alk level is elevated you get a saturated solution and that increases the chance of a calcium ion bumping into a bicarbonate ion, hence precipitation of calcium carbonate.

You wanna bring it down because its a PAIN to scrap off the precipitation especially when it forms on stuff like pumps, hard to reach areas etc.

just do a series of 3x 30% water change.

also you would get such elevated level only if you were carelessly dosing calcium supplement. Important to test for calcium regularly (once a week)

[Full Hedge]

22 minutes ago, atdayahwh said:

Sorry. Can you please explain more as I am not expert. Where is this calcium carbonate came from, salt mix? Should I leave it as it is ? Or how do I bring it down to decent level. Thanks


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The calcium carbonate comes from the dissolved stuff in the water 

that comes from the salt mix

[atdayahwh]

But AF salt mix contain 410-430 mg/l , any idea where is the extra stuff came from.


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[Full Hedge]

U been adding calcium supplement? If never add, your test kit gone bad Or u didnt do you titration properly. 

[atdayahwh]

Well. I am using API test kit and following the exact instructions, moreover no dosing at all. Anyone else facing same problem with AF salt mix?


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[Full Hedge]

Have u tested a fresh batch of newly made saltwater?

[Mike Stone]

How did you get your KH to 10 without dosing ?
AF salt at the very most will give you KH 8 without dosing and provided you are performing WC weekly.
Did you dose AF ABVE?
You did not add any chemical at all ? Not even Kalk ?

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[atdayahwh]

Thanks Hedge. Good suggestion I will try.
@Mike. I am not dosing anything except PH only when required. Weekly water change 5-10%


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[sherman]

What PH you dosing? 

Look like is the PH dosing causing your CA to raise

And your KH is high for zero NO3