Magneseum testing

[singold]

Is Magnesium critical to test for? Will regular water changes be enough to keep it in check? What types of corals are its levels dependent on, needed , etc. Any advise would be appreciated

 

[jdieck]

A proper level of magnesium makes calcium levels stable and calcium is critical specially for clams, SPS and LPS corals as well as coralline algae.
Depending on the salt you use, you might be able to keep it at level but even then I would recommend to test it once a month.

 

[singold]

I use Instant Ocean, but I am willing to switch salts if more advantageous. Also, I only plan on having Soft Corals & LPS Corals in my tank.

 

[jdieck]

IO is usually a salt with low levels of magnesium so your tank magnesium level may be low if you havent supplemented it.

 

[CAROLGYRL]

let me sqeak in, I noticed in the api reef and salt water test kits, ther is no measure for magnesuim. What test kit do we buy ?

 

[sps1-2-b]

Salifert mg

 

[singold]

Thanks for advise, will get a Magnesium test kit and start testing levels.

 

[tmz]

You may also wan't to check the article on salt mix comparisions at the beggining of the reef chemistry forum to see how salts vary in various elements of interest.

 

[LCDRDATA]

If I can piggy-back on the question, my LFS store told me none of the commercial magnesium test kits, including the Salifert, gave either accurate or consistent answers. Is this a consensus opinion or just "the LFS guy"? If it's just "the LFS guy", is Salifert the consensus on being the best magnesium test kit? Are there any kits in particular to avoid?

 

[tmz]

In my experience salifert or seachem are fairly reliable. Since, I'm not too confident in any hobby test kits and a bit obsessive I use both and compare them.