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 waterWarning!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 for usage. Add with 2ml of water in the test vial. For a lower resolution and more test per kit add 1ml instead of 2ml. Add one level spoon of Ca-1 (low resolution approx 1/2 spoon). Do not mix it yet. Add 8 drops of Ca-2. The low resolution mode requires 4 drops. Swril (DO NOT SHAKE) for 10 seconds. Put the plastic tip firmly on the 1ml syringe. And draw into the syringe the CA-3 reagent (ensure that the end of the plastic tipis constantly submersed in the Ca-3 reagent)till the lower end of the black part of the piston is exactly at the 1.00ml mark. There will besome air present just below the piston. This is the air which was present between the end of the plastic tip and the piston. This will not influence the test result. Add dropwise with the 1ml syringe the Ca-3 reagent to the water in the tst tube. Swirl after each drop a second or two. Continue with this until the colour changes from pink-red to a clear blue colour. Hold the syringe with the tip facing upwards and read the position of the, now the upper end, of the black part of the piston. The syringe has graduations of 0.01ml. 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 results by 2 Natural seawater contains 400 - 425 ppm calcium.
