How to fix my Calc levels

[lt1z28]

What brand of test kit are you using?

[BriGuy]

Interesting fact, this afternoon I mised up a batch of tap water and coralife to 1.22 and tested it. Showing 520 for Calcium.

[jrsatx20]

ur salinity has a lot to do with it also. let me find the article i read on it.

[BriGuy]

It1z28 its an API test kit.

[clamgal]

I'm tagging along. I have the same problem. I thought I had a defective kit. My tank seems a bit off. My clams are suffering. Could this be it?

[clamgal]

BTW - using Reef Crystals

[cbianco]

BriGuy, did you try and get the calcium level down? Did it work? If so, what method did you use?

Christopher

[CoryDude]

Same thing happened to me w/levels in excess of 600ppm. Turned out my swing arm hydrometer was off by 1/100 so the my levels were really at 1.036. My alk was low also. Once I got a refractometer, slowly lowered specific gravity, and raised alk, the Ca levels came within normal range.

[BriGuy]

I did a 5 gal water change and added a few drops of part 1. Will check levels in the morning. As for the hydrometer I had it tested a few months ago; might be time again.

[gjuarez]

Stay away from swinging arm hydrometers for those who have them. You alk is low compared to calcium. Where is your magnesium? If its too low it might be causing your alk to precipitate at very low levels, and once again like already mentioned low alk levels could be the cause of higher calcium levels. If mag is below 1350, you might slowly want to bring it up to that point or closer to 1400. Take your time in doing so. What livestock are you keeping?