bodie
Aquarium Advice Regular
I've been trying to get ready to convert my FOWLR to reef tank. Everything seems ready, but I've been unable to get an accurate calcium reading. I've tried both the Salifert calcium test kit and an Aquarium Pharmaceuticals test kit, but I keep getting results that measure extremely high and way off the chart. All of the test kits that I've seen require the user to add the testing solution drop by drop (and gently shake the test tube in between drops) until the water changes color, but the color of my water in the test tube never changes colors until I'm well over the test's possible Ca levels. In my opinion, these results are definitely wrong. I have never added calcium supplements to my tank and use R/O water with Instant Ocean salt. I've also tested KH and received a reading of 7 dKH. I've asked my lfs to test it for me, but they will only test ph, nitrate, nitrite, and ammonia (I think they don't want to have to sit there and do the drop by drop). Can anyone think of way for me to get an accurate Ca reading or what I'm doing wrong with my tests? Are there any other types of test kits out there that are simpler to use? I'd be willing to pay the extra money for a test kit that will relieve me of my frustrations.