Salifert Calcium Profi-Test Calcium is a major constituent of coralline algae, the skeletal material of hard corals and the skeletal needles of soft/leather corals. In many cases too low a calcium concentration retards coral and coralline algae growth. Calcium also fulfills many important biological functions. In a healthy aquarium, the growth and multiplication of corals, calcareous algae and other organisms can result in calcium depletion. To maintain a stable environment it is important that the calcium content should not fluctuate by more than 15 mg/L from the optimum range of 420 - 450 mg/L so regular testing should be carried out. This means that any calcium test used should have an accuracy of significantly less than 15mg/L otherwise it will be difficult to monitor such fluctuations. The Salifert test kit measures in steps of 5 mg/L and has an accuracy of 10 mg/L. The color change is precise, detecting small but significant fluctuations in the concentration of calcium. The test is not affected by magnesium. Sufficient for 50-100 tests. Can be used for marine water, freshwater and garden pond water Warning! Ca-1 reagent contains sodium hydroxide and is strongly irritating to skin and eyes. In case of contact with skin wash with plenty of water. In case of contact with the eyes wash with plenty water and consult a physician immediately. Not for consumption. Keep out of reach of children. If swallowed contact a physician immediately. Instructions: 1. Add with 5 ml syringe 3 ml of water in the test vial. For a low resolution and more tests per kit add 1.5 ml instead of 3 ml. 2. Add 6 drops of Ca-1 to the water in the test vial. and swirl gently for 10 seconds. For low resolution 3 instead of 6 drops. 3. Add 1 spoon of Ca-2 (low resolution approx. 1/2 spoon) and swirl for 5 seconds. 4. Put the plastic tip firmly on the 1 ml syringe. And draw into the syringe the Ca-3 reagent (ensure that the end of the plastic tip is constantly submersed in the Ca-3 reagent) till the lower end of the black part of the pistion is exactly at the 1.00 ml mark. There will be air present just below the piston. This is the air which was present between the end of the plactic tip and the piston. This will not influence the test result. 5. Add dropwise with the 1 ml syringe the Ca-3 reagent to the water in the test tube. Swirl after each drop a second or Continue with this until color changes from pink-red to a clear blue color. 6. Hold the syringe with the tip facing upward and read the position of the , now the upper end, of the black part of the piston. The syringe has graduations of 0.01 ml. Read the Calcium value from the table or calculate as follows. ppm Ca = (1 - reading in step 6) x 500 If you have chosen for the lower resolution multiply the calculated result by 2. Natural sea water contains 425 - 450 ppm calcium. Use salifert`s Coral Calcium for good results. Calcium Table Note: If you took 1.5 ml of water in step 1 then multiply the calcium values by 2! Reading in ml`s (step 6)Calcium Concentration in ppm 0.00500 0.02490 0.04480 0.06470 0.08460 0.10450 0.12440 0.14430 0.16420 0.18410 0.20400 0.22390 0.24380 0.26370 0.28360 0.30350 0.32340 0.34330 0.36320 0.38310 0.40300 0.42290 0.44280 0.46270 0.48260 0.50250 0.52240 0.54230 0.56220 0.58210 0.60200 0.62190 0.64180 0.66170 0.68160 0.70150 0.72140 0.74130 0.76120 0.78110 0.80100 0.8290 0.8480 0.8670 0.8860 0.9050 0.9240 0.9430 0.9620 0.9810 IF YOU ARE SERIOUS ABOUT YOUR REEF FISH TANK THEN YOU MUST HAVE THIS.... NOTHING ELSE COMES CLOSE!