Mg- Never tested before

[ogdogg]

What should be the level of Mg and if it is low, what is the best way to raise it?

Thanks

[ReddyW]

As a fellow noob, most people have told me that testing for Mg is a pain, and if you do regular water changes with quality salt Mg shouldn't be a problem.

I did dose some Kent Tech M when I was having trouble keeping Ca up, but increasing the volume and frequency of my water changes fixed that so I quit when the bottle ran out.

I've been told that with some salts the added minerals settle out in shipping, so mix your salt by rolling the bucket around. People have said that this is more of a problem with buckets and the bags are usually OK.

Here's what the Reef Alchemist has to say about Mg:
http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-05/rhf/index.php

[ReddyW]

As a fellow noob, most people have told me that testing for Mg is a pain, and if you do regular water changes with quality salt Mg shouldn't be a problem.

I did dose some Kent Tech M when I was having trouble keeping Ca up, but increasing the volume and frequency of my water changes fixed that so I quit when the bottle ran out.

I've been told that with some salts the added minerals settle out in shipping, so mix your salt by rolling the bucket around. People have said that this is more of a problem with buckets and the bags are usually OK.

Here's what the Reef Alchemist has to say about Mg levels:
http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-05/rhf/index.php

Hope this helps till an expert chimes in!

[mgdth]

Testing for Mg is no different than testing for Ca...Salifert is what I use and it us easy. I keep my Mg above 1300 at all times.


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[Sugar Magnolia]

Testing for mag is easy. Pick up a Salifert kit. Mg should be around 1300-1350ppm. Most salt mixes fall short. Instant Ocean mixes up at 1110ppm, well below the optimum range. To raise, Kent Tech M will work, as will Brightwell Aquatics mag supplements.

One thing to keep in mind, if your mag is low, it's difficult to raise calcium.

[ogdogg]

I've also been told by a few LFS guys that testing for Mg didn't matter if you're doing regular water changes, and as a result never tested for it. However, the more threads I read, the more it reinforces the fact that I've been mislead by the LFS. Granted they know a lot more than I do, but they shouldn't be providing inaccurate information. As some of you guys mentioned, I've been having trouble raising my calcium above 400 and perhaps low mg is the reason. I've been dosing consistently for about a month now. First twice a week, then three times a week, and now three times a week with 50% more with each dose. I'm going to get a mg test kit today and let you guys know my results.

[sponger0]

Magnesium is very important to the health of corals and it is not difficult the test for, unless you dont have hands lol

I keep my mag high to compensate for the use of it by corals. I keep it at 1400-1450. It doesnt hurt the corals or my tank.

Whoever told you mag is pain to test for is rather ridiculous.

[ogdogg]

Ok tested for mg today. It was 1200. I'm going to be using aqua vitro (seachem) ions to raise it. The instructions states that every capful (7ml) will raise the water by 5 mg/L. If I want to raise it to above 1300 mg/l, I will have to add about 20 capful to increase by 100mg/L. Is that right? Obviously there is a max per day around 45mg per day, but it seems like a lot to add 20 capfuls. any suggestions? I also tested for ca 360 and alk 9.2. So apparently my low mg is affecting my ca and alk. Again I've been dosing religiously for all and ca but unable to raise it by much. I'm going to raise mg first then raise the alk and ca.

[msbreton]

It's also very important to know and maintain your Mg level BEFORE you test for and possibly dose for Ca as the proper Mg level releases Ca. If you have a lose Mg, you can dose and dose Ca and never see it raise. Then if you bring up Mg, you could have a major Ca spike. Alk and Mg 1st and then Ca. When all three are in balance, you have calcification. I always keep my ATO wanter at 9-10 Alk and dose Mg weekly to keep it at 1400. I never have to touch my Ca as my salt/water changes keep it at 500.

-Mike

[ogdogg]

Dosed a little last night before I read the last post. So It would seem I got lucky. This afternoon ca 430 mg 1400 all 10.6. Everything is in line now. So, next week should I test dose than test.? im assuming its trial and error and eventually I'll have a solid regimen. Any thoughts? Thanks

[sponger0]

No you shouldnt wait til next week. You should be testing daily to find out what elements your system is using up. Then based on that you can determine a dosing regimen.

[ogdogg]

Thanks sponger and everyone else. Tough hobby and this is a great way to answer all of these puzzles