Aquarium Pharmaceuticals Calcium Test Kit

This kit allows for easy and accurate measuring of calcium levels to help in maintaining a healthy aquarium.

Calcium is one of the most important elements in a reef aquarium. Reef invertebrates such as corals, crustaceans, mollusks and even some types of encrusting algae need calcium to grow and remain healthy. Over time, calcium levels drop as invertebrates use calcium in aquarium water. The Aquarium Pharmaceuticals (API) Calcium Test Kit kit allows you to easily and accurately measure calcium levels and maintain a healthy reef aquarium.

The Aquarium Pharmaceuticals (API) Calcium Test Kit measures calcium levels as low as 20mg/L
Uses titration method, with easy to see color change for precise measurement
For use in reef aquariums

Why test for Calcium?

Monitoring calcium levels is essential for keeping a successful reef aquarium. Reef organisms use calcium to build a calcium carbonate skeleton. Over time, as the calcium in the water is utilized, the calcium level will gradually drop. Calcium must be present for corals to grow. Even reef invertebrates such as crustaceans, mollusks and encrusting algae, require calcium to grow and remain healthy.

Calcium levels drop as it is used by invertebrates or as it reacts with excess phosphate. Making a partial water change may help to maintain proper calcium levels, depending on the brand of salt mix. Special calcuim additives are also available. Elevated phosphate precipitates calcium, rendering it unavailable to reef organisms. Phosphate enters the aquarium from tap water and as a byproduct of fish and invertebrate metabolism. Use Aquarium Pharmaceuticals Phosphate Test Kit to test for phosphate. If necessary, use Aquarium Pharmaceuticals Phos-Zorb™ to remove excess phosphate. Phos-Zorb is a special phosphate-removing filtration media that comes in a flow-through pouch. It conveniently fits into any filter.

Carbonate hardness (KH), often referred to as alkalinity, is important for reef organisms. As carbonate levels drop the pH becomes unstable. The carbonate hardness level (KH) should be 7-10 dKH [125 – 179 mg/L (ppm)] to encourage growth in a reef aquarium and maintain pH. Use the Aquarium Pharmaceuticals KH Test Kit to measure the carbonate hardness. Add Proper pH 8.2 to increase carbonate hardness and stabilize the pH to 8.2.

Manufacturer Info:

Aquarium Pharmaceuticals
http://www.aquariumpharm.com/
API has been helping people take good care of ornamental fish for over 40 years. Our research and development scientists have advanced the care of fish with all natural medications, stable bacteria for biological filtration, one-bottle test kits, consumer-friendly dosing caps and much more. We’ve received over 25 global patents for our breakthrough innovations in the aquatics industry. And we continue to look for ways to improve the fishkeeping experience for consumers. Research. Experience. Dedication to scientific, quality treatment for healthy fish. It’s what makes API the first choice of aquarium owners.

Test Parameter: Calcium

Testing Tips:
The Calcium Test Kit reads the calcium concentration in milligrams per liter (mg/L) which is equivalent to parts per million (ppm).

Directions:

Read thoroughly before testing. Do not allow test solutions to get into aquarium.
To remove childproof safety cap: With one hand, push red tab left with thumb while unscrewing cap with free hand.
1. Rinse a clean test tube with the water being tested.
2. Fill the test tube to the line with the water being tested.
3. Holding the bottle vertically, add 10 drops of Calcium Test Solution #1 to the test tube, cap and shake for 10 seconds.
4. Shake Calcium Test Solution #2 bottle vigorously for 10 seconds.
5. Holding the bottle vertically, add Calcium Test Solution #2, drop by drop to the test tube until the solution changes from pink to the blue end-point. Each drop is equivalent to 20 mg/L (ppm) calcium (Ca2+). Cap and shake the test tube between drops. Be sure to count the drops added.
  - A pink color should form after the first drop.
  - If a blue color forms after the first drop, the calcium concentration is 20 mg/L (ppm) or below.
6. As the end-point is approached, the color will usually change from pink to purple before finally changing to blue. After the purple color forms, only one or two more drops should be required to reach the blue endpoint.

Note: Reef aquariums should have a calcium (Ca2+) concentration of between 400 to 500 mg/L (ppm). To save time, rather than adding only one drop at at time, several drops of Calcium Test Solution #2 may be added simultaneously at first, then the final drops can be added drop by drop as the endpoint is approached.

For example, if you think that the saltwater being tested contains about 400 mg/L (ppm) calcium, you can add 10 to 15 drops of Calcium Test Solution #2 at once as indicated in step 5, then cap and shake. If the solution is pink, continue adding drops, one at a time, until the end point is reached. If the solution is blue, then too many drops were added and the test must be repeated, adding fewer drops initially or adding the drops one at a time.

# of Drops	mg/L (ppm) Calcium(Ca2+)	# of Drops	mg/L (ppm) Calcium(Ca2+)
1	20	14	280
2	40	15	300
3	60	16	320
4	80	17	340
5	100	18	360
6	120	19	380
7	140	20	400
8	160	21	420
9	180	22	440
10	200	23	460
11	220	24	480
12	240	25	500
13	260	26	520

Corrosive:

Bottle #1:
- Keep out of reach of children.
- Eye contact: gently flush with water for at least 15 minutes.
- Remove contact lens, if present, after the first 5 minutes, then continue rinsing.
- Skin contact: wash thoroughly with soap and water.
- If swallowed, contact a physician or Poison Control Center immediately.
Bottle #2:
- Contains Sodium Hydroxide.
- Causes severe burns.
- Harmful if swallowed.
- Keep locked up and out of the reach of children.
- In case of contact with eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical advice. If contact lens is present, remove after 5 minutes, then continue rinsing.
- Wear suitable gloves and eye/face protection.
- If swallowed, contact a physician or call a Poison Control Center immediately.
- In case of accident or if you feel unwell, seek medical advice immediately (show label where possible).

Aquarium Pharmaceuticals Calcium Test Kit

New post