 Re: calcium
This is a really easy way to understand calcium, PH, alkalinity, specific gravity, and magnesium in the aquarium.
Calcium ppm - It is a measure of the amount of available calcium in your aquarium. 450 is what you want. At 550+ it will precipitate out and form cacium carbonate crystals and appear like it is snowing.
PH - Your PH is good. The higher the PH the less calcium that will be held in solution or be bio available for use.
Alkalinity - is a measure of how good your tank can hold up to the contant onslaught of acids without the PH fluctuating. These acids are obviously generated by uneaten food, fish waste, the millions of bacteria dying every day in aquariums, etc. 7-12 DKH is wha you want.
Specific gravity - easy thing to remember the lower the salinity the lower the calcium number can be and still be ok.
Magnesium - Helps make calcium more available and stops the precipitation of the calcium into carbonate.
As stated above definately check your DKH or alkalinity level. Usually when your calcium number gets out of whack that much it can lead to a real big drop in alkalinity. Get the hardness up if it is low and see what happens. I am willing to bet your buffer level has dropped through the floor causing the calcium level to spike. It is a little understood dance reef aquarium owners must master to keep the calcium flowing in to our corals.
I will attempt to find a brilliant article by Craig Bingman years ago which I have saved in my drawer full of old magazines.  |