another mag ???

[stocker]

Was wondering, if it was possible to have too much magnesium? Reason why I'm asking is, I never tested for Magnesium before and on my main tank, I'm not getting any readings. (Salifert mag test kit) My calcium and DK/H readings are fine. But on my frag tank, I'm getting a reading, so I know that it's not the test kit. Just wondering if this is possible.

 

[steve the plumb]

I use the salifert and it works fine.Even if your mag levels were off the chart you would have emptied at least one full syringe.Is your frag tank connected to your main tank.Maybe you need to add mag?

 

[stocker]

2 different systems. Also, I did empty a syringe. Tried testing 3 different times.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Was wondering, if it was possible to have too much magnesium?

At some elevated level it will certainly become toxic, but I am not sure where that first happens. Up to 1500 ppm isn't likely to cause toxicity, but I recommend 1250-1350 ppm magnesium.

I'm not getting any readings. (Salifert mag test kit

Add a second syringe of titrant and get to the endpoint. Then add the values together to get the final value.

 

[steve the plumb]

If you empty the syringe fill and start to add another then check the value, more than likely you are over the 1500 mark.You will make the colour change.I got the same results with my friends tank.His mag level was 1650 ppm

 

[stocker]

will do. thanks

 

[stocker]

just did, and am getting a reading of 1500. How do I lower it? Remind you, I have never dosed my tank with any kind of Magnesium.
See, I have a little more algea than I expected. was told by an lfs to check the magnesium. I don't have a refugium. (I have a sump though.)
Maybe I should look into a refugium.
Thanks for your help.
Stocker

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

The only way to reduce magnesium rapidly is to do water changes with a low to normal magnesium salt mix.

What brand are you using? You might check the magnesium in it.

 

[stocker]

Instant ocean. I'll try that.
Thanks

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

You're welcome.

Good luck.

 

[reverendmaynard]

Mg levels don't really effect algae, do they?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Not directly, no. If Mg++ is low it might possibly reduce coralline and coral growth, and those organisms not using nutrients may help algae get a bigger share of the nutrients, but looking first to nutrients (phosphate and nitrate) as the factors that cause algae problems is a better way to go.