Do this really matter?

[woogy]

To shake the bucket up before I make up a new batch of saltwater? I have been using reef crystals for quite some time and my mag and calc levels are always on the lower side. I am starting a new batch and flipped the bucket over a few times before I added it. I guess I will see if the parameters change when I test it later. :D

[Bonebrake]

The two most common reasons for having low magnesium and calcium levels is either using a deficient salt in the first place or having an improperly calibrated hydrometer/refractometer.

Reef Crystals is a little low on magnesium (1260 ppm) and calcium is ok (420 ppm) when it is mixed to 35 ppt or 1.0264 s.g.

[woogy]

Nope refractometer is calibrated. And the numbers for calc and mag do not even come close to that. I guess I will have to spend a little more $$$ for salifert test kits.

[Bri Guy]

What test kits do you use?

I use API with good results, best bang for your buck.

[woogy]

thats what I used and gave me the readings of 400 on Wednesday and 360 on Thursday. So I tested with the seachem and got 425 yesterday and today.

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

FWIW, I think that shaking the bucket is as likely to allow things to separate more as it is to mix things back up, so I would not bother to do that. :)