Seachem Reef Status Calcium Test Kit

Professional calcium test kit delivers accurate results in three easy steps. Designed specifically for the needs of today's reef aquariums, the Reef Status Calcium Test Kit measures results 5 mg/L increments for precise test results. Uses magnesium precipitation and an acid pH titration method for no magnesium interference. Distinct, endpoint color-change from blue to pink makes the titration process easier. Includes 150 tests and a reference solution for simple test validation

Please click on "More Information" for directions for use.

1. Fill sample pipette to 1 mL mark at base of bulb and dispense 1 mL of sample into the sample vial.

2. Completely fill pink dilution vial with de-ionized (or distilled) water and pour into sample vial.

3. Add one drop of Calcium Reagent #1. Swirl gently to mix. Wait 30 seconds before proceeding to Step 4.

4. Add 1 scoop of Calcium Reagent #2. Cap, and then swirl gently until Calcium Reagent #2 is mostly dissolved.

5. Fill titration syringe to 1 cc mark with Calcium Titrant. Titrate (i.e. dispense Titrant solution) with the syringe until color turns from pink to true blue. Swirl between each drop to mix thoroughly. Color will turn purple and then purple-blue just before changing to a true blue. At this point, only one more drop (or about 0.01 - 0.02 mL) is usually required.

In reading graduations from cc scale, note that scale runs in reverse of dispensing, so that 0.9 = 50 ppm; 0.8 = 100 ppm; 0.7 = 150 ppm; 0.6 = 200 ppm; 0.5 = 250 ppm; 0.4 = 300 ppm; 0.3 = 350 ppm; 0.2 = 400 ppm; 0.1 = 450 ppm; 0 = 500 ppm. Each line (0.01 mL) in between these graduations equals 5 ppm. If calcium exceeds 500 ppm (mg/L), it will be necessary to refill syringe and continue; add the volumes used from both syringe fills to get the total amount of titrant used.

Reference Test
The proper performance of this kit may be validated by running a test in the normal manner except that the reference sample is used in place of an aquarium sample. It is not necessary to run a reference test to use this kit. The only time you might choose to run a reference test is if you have cause to believe the test is giving incorrect results. If you run a test using the reference sample and obtain the correct result (based on the known reference value provided) then you know the test is giving correct results. To run a reference test use the Calcium Reference as the sample. Reference value is listed on the container label.

General Tips:
Avoid getting Reagent #1 on your fingers, as it is caustic and may dissolve syringe markings if it is transferred from fingers to syringe barrel. Always rinse supplied plastic ware after testing. If a white or hazy build-up occurs, it may be cleaned off by soaking affected components in vinegar. Add 1 scoop of Calcium #2 and mix gently to dissolve.

Interpretation
This kit is capable of at least 150 calcium determinations and is designed specifically for seawater. The test is based on titration of calcium with EDTA in the presence of a calcium specific indicator dye after the co-precipitation of magnesium and strontium.

Natural seawater contains between 400 - 410 mg/L of calcium. A healthy reef environment should have between 380 - 420 mg/L of calcium. Levels above 420 mg/L are not beneficial. Levels below 380 mg/L should be corrected as soon as possible.