Mg level in IO salt

[phudeb]

Anyone know what the magnesium level is in IO salt? I do not have a test kit handy.

thanks

 

[dragon_slayer]

whenever i've tested it, it's always been 1100-1200 ppm

hth
kc

 

[crumbletop]

I've never measured it in fresh mixed water. Ron Shimek tested it and it ranged between 1300 and 1500.

http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2002-02/rs/feature/index.php

It also was measured at 1400 in this article:
Part I: http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2005/11/aafeature1
Part II: http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2005/12/aafeature1

This second study is somewhat contested. I find the pH of my IO to be right around 8.3 and they got 8.6 -- so I'm not sure how valid their other results are...

 

[wooglin]

Measuring PH it seems would be difficult to quantify because alot of factors can effect that such as co2 levels where the water was mixed, etc.

 

[crumbletop]

Yes, but that study was apparently done all in the same place and all with the same methods for a bunch of different salt mixes -- so it is a bit odd. I don't know the details, but I remember reading about some controversy around the study maybe a year ago or so.

 

[Sir Knight]

I would really not rely on many of those results. Mag at 1400 in IO, I don't think so, 1100 to 1200 from what I remember is more realistic, unless they got a bad batch of salt or mixed it at very high concentrations.

To be honest, your initial question has to many variables, because of the batch of IO salt you have, your salinity levels, the type of water you are using to mix the salt with, etc. You need to get a Mag test kit and test you levels from your batch of salt water you are making. That is the only reliable way to know how to adjust your levels. Anything else would be guessing and cause you more problems. There is a chem forum on RC with a person that has done many excellent articles. Do a search there if you are just looking for a baseline, but again if you don't test it don't add things to adjust it. You also need to test your tanks water levels, because if you start making major adjustments you need to do it slowly or you could kill your current inhabitants.

 

[KAiNE]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9473695#post9473695 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Sir Knight
There is a chem forum on RC with a person that has done many excellent articles.

Unfortunately Randy has decided to move on (temporarily I hope).
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1063441

Salinity is a big factor when checking levels of specific components. IO had pretty high ALK last time i check (I don't use it) so at natural o2/co2 concentrations the PH very well could be high.

During my fight with salinity calibrations I had adjusted my MG when my salinity was low, therefor when i corrected my salinity issues my MG was very high, 1500+.

 

[cee]

pH will also depend on the amount of aeration during mixing (CO2 as wooglin stated). Mg, Ca, and Alk levels w/ IO are likely low since it is not optimized for RO/DI water (relies on residual Ca/Mg/buffers from the water supply).