Low Magnesium...

[kzziboy]

Will do...Thanks everybody!

 

[Psyops]

couple of years ago I had the same issue with the Salifert Mag test kit. Usually when I buy a new Salifert kit, the expiration date is at least 2-3 years from now. I use a Elos Mag test kit. I don't know about Red Sea. I thought my readings were around 1100 and they really were in the normal range. I raised my Mag to about 1700 until I check with my LFSs Elos Mag kit. For some reason Salifert Mag kit can sometimes read false low readings. I have had 3 people in our local club and my LFS kit (Salifert) do the same. Hope this helps.

Alex

 

[bertoni]

This article gives an easy DIY calibration solution that should give a reasonable idea of the accuracy of your device:

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-06/rhf/index.htm

 

[kzziboy]

Well, after all of this I decided to re-do my Magnesium Test and my Alkalinity.
Here's what I got...tested TWICE by the way.
Magnesium: 1060...both tests.
Alkalinity: 8 dkh both times.
Calcium at 330.

Again, NO I do not have a Refractometer yet, so I'm not COMPLETELY sure of my salinity.
Could my Calcium and Magnesium levels be off that much if my salinity is off?
Really, what should I be at for Salinity? 1.025 or 26? Is that too high?
My hydrometer shows just below .025.
I do want to get a few easy to manage soft corals...some beginner stuff. Nothing crazy. I've been taking this hobby slow for over a decade now!

 

[downbeach]

Here's the analysis off the side of an RC box.

Salinity - Ca - Mg
1.021 - 370 - 1095
1.023 - 405 - 1200
1.026 - 455 - 1345

So, if your hydrometer is reading high(not unusual) and giving you a reading of 1.026, but in reality it is 1.021, you will have the impression that your Ca and Mg are too low, when in reality your hydrometer is misleading you. Remember along with the salt you are also adding the Ca and Mg supplements in your salt mix.

 

[kzziboy]

Wow. That would explain it IF my hydrometer is off by that much.
Again, Thank you for that info.

 

[downbeach]

Well, refractometers can be off too, but they can be calibrated. I use a hydrometer at my mixing station to give me a "rough" idea when adding salt to the RO/DI water, but, before I use it, I always adjust using the refractometer to match my DT's water.