What would cause a 0 calcium reading?

[porpoiseaquatics]

Seems impossible I know but my Salifert calcium test kit just said I have a calcium reading of 10.:sad: I'm scratching my head trying to figure out how that is possible with water changes and dosing of liquid calcium. I've already thought maybe the kit is bad. I don't remember how old it is nor do I know how long the regents are good for. Any thoughts?

 

[acroholic]

I'd guess either you did not do the test correctly, or your reagents are old. Did you repeat the test? I don't see how any reef could get that low even without dosing.
Dave

 

[porpoiseaquatics]

I laugh at myself sometimes! I must really be tired because obviously my comprehension level went to ZERO! I did the test again after I found the expiration date on the regents as Aug. 2010. It helps if you can follow directions although, I'm sure the translation from German to American got lost in some of the words. Second test shows a level of 400 ppm. Much better I'd say huh?

 

[skriz]

Yeah, the second one sounds better.

If your test actually reads 0, you either have a bad kit or you did it wrong.

 

[simon_kruger]

or your testing the toilet water

 

[oil_fan]

Simon.Kruger;400384 wrote: or your testing the toilet water

lol

 

[porpoiseaquatics]

Simon.Kruger;400384 wrote: or your testing the toilet water

Actually that wouldn't be true. Urine should have a high concentration of calcium in it. If it doesn't, you must be dead because your kidneys are no longer functioning!

 

[percula]

retest, if still the same issue, like stated above, regents are likely fried...

 

[oldschool52]

It sounded strange at the start. Glad you retested. Maybe that's why I have more than one Mfgs test kits. When I get a "out of control" reading I test with another kit to verify my results or take some water to LFS for another opinion. I have been doing tests on more than one tank and a full bank of tests and have tested RO for calcium. Freaked me out for a minute till I realized what I did.