Originally Posted by Oil_Fan

Not quite. Salt mix contain various elements. In this case we're talking about calcium. According what I found the other day, the mix I use already contains a high amount of calcium. Now other less expensive salt mixes probably has less calcium.

Since I have a number of corals, they need calcium in the water among other things. Since I didn't know the specifics to my salt mix, I was adding additional calcium to my tank. This was done on the advice of my LFS. Now also according to my LFS, adding calcium will lower your pH levels. This is the reason for the buffer to bring it back up.

At lunch today I went and picked up a calcium test kit and kh one as well. When I get home later tonight, I'll test my water and should have a better idea as what is going on.

Originally Posted by Oil_Fan

Ok...so after a couple days of testing, here's what I now know:

My tank
Current calcium levels: 480 ppm

I then mixed up a fresh batch of salt water yesterday and tested today. The calcium level in there is also 480 ppm. The ocean itself runs around 420 ppm from what I've read. So basically I'm taking what is already high levels of calcium and adding more so it never gets a chance to drop down.

What I do know is that adding the extra calcium is affecting my pH levels. I think I'll stop adding the extra calcium and see what happens. Hopefully then my green brain will rebound. That's the one coral that isn't looking too great.

BTW, I'm using Oceanic Natural Sea Salt mix.

Originally Posted by Tankerini

Strange, you would'nt think the salt mix your using would give you such a high calcium level. Whats your SG, PH/alkalinity? (On a fresh batch not the water already in the tank).