Low MG

[Capsle]

Hey reefers,

So my MG is low, even after a 15% water change. MG is at 1140 according to salifert test, the same as before the water change.

I've dosed mg twice and no change.

Cal at 420 and Alk 10.2.

Any suggestions?


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[AlSimmons]

Sounds fine to me. Is Coralline algae growing well? If so, that's kind of an indication that your parameters are within reason.

What exactly are you using for Magnesium btw? Maybe the link below will help.

http://reef.diesyst.com/chemcalc/chemcalc.html

 

[downbeach]

Where is your SG? What salt mix? What are you using to measure it with? If a swing arm type hydrometer, it may be giving you an incorrect reading and you may not be adding enough salt mix when you make up your WC water, and by extension not enough Mg. Is it calibrated, i.e. refractometer using a sea water standard solution, not plain water?

 

[Capsle]

Where is your SG? What salt mix? What are you using to measure it with? If a swing arm type hydrometer, it may be giving you an incorrect reading and you may not be adding enough salt mix when you make up your WC water, and by extension not enough Mg. Is it calibrated, i.e. refractometer using a sea water standard solution, not plain water?

My SG is at 1.024-0.25, salt mix is Red Sea coral pro. I'm using a properly calibrated Refractometer.

Coraline seems to be growing.

I just find it odd that the NG is low. All I have in the tank is CUC, 2 O clowns, a small zoa frag ( dollar size) and a RBTA.

I dosed with aquavitro added 2 7 ml doses twice so 14 ml two days apart.

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[downbeach]

I would get your SG up to 1.026 and re check your numbers. RSCP should be ~1350ppm at that SG. It will take a lot of that Mg supplement to see a significant increase.

 

[billdogg]

If you haven't, take a look at the supplements from bulk reef supply. I use them for all three - Ca, Alk, and Mg and couldn't be happier.

Using an additive with an unknown amount of whatever you are trying to raise cannot be cost effective, and in using it to bring your Mg up to where you want it you may very well overdose on whatever else is in the bottle.

 

[Capsle]

If you haven't, take a look at the supplements from bulk reef supply. I use them for all three - Ca, Alk, and Mg and couldn't be happier.

Using an additive with an unknown amount of whatever you are trying to raise cannot be cost effective, and in using it to bring your Mg up to where you want it you may very well overdose on whatever else is in the bottle.

I really like BRS but I live in Canada, I bought my skimmer, gyre and return pump from them but the exchange rate is killer right now!

Sometime I wish I lived in the States. You have an awesome selection of online reef stores and livestock. Unfortunately when it comes to any livestock, sand, rock or food they can't ship it to Canada :sad2:

 

[Tanthaitrung]

I really like BRS but I live in Canada, I bought my skimmer, gyre and return pump from them but the exchange rate is killer right now!

Sometime I wish I lived in the States. You have an awesome selection of online reef stores and livestock. Unfortunately when it comes to any livestock, sand, rock or food they can't ship it to Canada :sad2:

Anyway, you are better than me. I'm Vietnamese

 

[AlSimmons]

Huh? I love John at "Twins." I'm pretty sure he's Veitnames. Just a good guy all around. I'm bighting my tongue right now...

You have been renamed to "Chow." (maybe not)

 

[Tanthaitrung]

Yes Sir . I know John, his nick name is jbvdhp. I sent him some PM and email but no reply. Do you know if he is ok?

Thanks & Best regards
Please send my regards to him
Khanh

 

[Sk8r]

I use Kent supplements: they're ONE thing, not a combo, so I raise what I want to raise, without anything else also bouncing up...

 

[A sea K]

Here is some helpful info on magnesium and a easy to make DIY recipe from Mr Randy Holmes-Farley.


http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-07/rhf/

 

[Capsle]

Thanks for the info. I'm reading up on it. I love that site, I've read a lot of articles on there.

Question: Salifert test kits have you draw back the test solution with the 1 ml syringe with the small plastic tip. It says to draw the lower end to the 1 ml Mark. Would that be A or B in my picture? I've been using A and if it's B then everything would be in check.

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[A sea K]

You could actually use either mark so long as it is the same point you draw the 100mm solution to and read from. FWIW I have always used "A" as my mark.