Help reading API calcium test

I have no idea what im supposed to be looking for as I drip in part 2 of the test. Am I supposed to shake after each or just allow the solution to form a band of colors. Right now dripping in I get to 12 drops the the solution from top down goes pink then purple/blue then clear.

Am I doing this test correctly?

 

you shouldnt get clear. it should end at purple.

 

So it should not be shaken, just drip until the band in the middle is deep purple?

 

yes shake after each drop until it goes from pink to blue then compare that to the chart and that will give you your calcium ppm

 

also remember to count each drop

 

Ok I re did the test this morning shaking the vial capped between each drop and got 25 drops before the solution suddenly went purple. The chart indicates 500 ppm.

So is this something to be concerned about? I have read that optimum is 450 ppm.

Right now I only have 1 chromis, 20 hermit crabs and 60 lbs of base caribsea rock and 20 lbs of live rock. No coral but lots of coraline on the live rock. The tank just started producing diatoms yesterday, so I think the cycle is underway.

 

Since you have essentially nothing using calcium a slightly elevated level shouldn't be a big concern. Once you have corals and lost of snails using it up it will probably fall to 450. I had much higher levels when my tank was empty. IIRC IO Reef Crystals reed a bit high when newly mixed, and after 24 hours enough is used up that my calcium is around 400ish.

Coralline does use calcium, but unless your entire tank is covered it shouldn't impact the levels much too quickly.

I've read that 450 is optimal and 600 is "too high" so I'm sure 500 will be ok. Test again in a few days, see if levels drop.

Also, I use the API test and the color shift is very subtle, it's easy to over-read the results. You want to stop when you see a hint of color change, not when you can't make the color change any more. So you might be closer to 400-450 than you think.

-Doug

 

Ya a hint was at 24 drops, so you are right.

 

I like to keep my Cal between 400-500ppm. 450ppm being the "ideal" level. People who sell corals for a living prefer a 500ppm or higher level as the corals tend to grow faster. There are also other elements to consider but Cal is one of them. If you dont have any corals to consume the Cal, I wouldnt continue to dose Cal. Luna

 

where is your alk at? If its low, you can raise the alk and it will lower your calcium.