As far as the pH goes my test before adding the borax was 7.0. The calculator said to add 67 ounces so I did. Two hours later the reading was so dark that I'd say it's over 8.0.

On the calcium test it took me a little while to figure out what you meant when you said "old reagents" I bought this kit during the winter but I did leave it ouside all winter. I didn't know I wasn't supposed to do that until recently. This is the color "red" that I get...