High Magnesium and Calcium

[mattvisocky2003]

Hey, I am having some trouble with my magnesium and calcium. I dose b-ionic 2 part for alk and haven't used the calcium portion for 2 weeks. I also use reef solution, but it doesn't tell how much mag is in each capful. Those are all I use for additives. Where would my high levels come from?

Calcium around 525 (not too bad right?)
Magnesium around 1550 (I cant seem to get the level down even with water changes)

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

What salt mix are you using? Some, especially Oceanic, are excessively high in calcium and magnesium.

The way to deal with it is to add just the alkalinity part (or baking soda) until the calcium has declined on its own.

This may help:

Solving Calcium and Alkalinity Problems
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/nov2002/chem.htm

Reef Chemicals Calculator
http://home.comcast.net/~jdieck1/chem_calc3.html

[mattvisocky2003]

I was using oceanic for about 7 months. However, I changed to Tropic Marin about 1 month ago. That could be the only reason I can see for this. Do you know how long it will take to get rid of all the oceanic in the tank doing 10% weekly changes?

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

If you supplement with only a buffer, then calcium will decline far faster than would be accomplished with water changes. :)

[mattvisocky2003]

OH, lol I thought it would be the other way around:)

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

10% changes with water at a calcium level of 420 ppm gives:

525
515
505
497
489
482
476
470
465
461
457
453
450
447
444
442
439
438
436



If the salt mix has only 360 ppm clacum in it,t he drop is faster:

525
509
494
480
468
457
448
439
431
424
418
412
407
402
398
394
391
388
385


Magnesium may drop more by water changes than by calcification. :)