Tswifty
New member
I like this Mag explanation:
Originally posted by xJake
I realize this is a bit suggestive, but it explains this topic extremely well. Basically, I like to use the following metaphor the describe the relationship between Magnesium and Calcium/Alkalinity...
Think of calcium as a male, and alkalinity as a female. They are naturally attracted to each other when dissolved in water, and when they bond they achieve a state of "happiness" as calcium carbonate. These two molecules look for ways to bond and form calcium carbonate, and they are constantly trying to do so. Think of magnesium as a sort of "chaperon" (or perhaps "The Catholic Church" if you will) in this case and coral calcification as almost like "marriage". Magnesium prevents calcium and alkalinity from prematurely "bonding" before "marriage." Without enough magnesium (~3x calcium), any "unchaperoned" calcium and alkalinity can begin bonding wherever. This causes any extra calcium and carbonate (alkalinity) ions, that the magnesium can't "chaperon," to precipitate out of the water column. This usually occurs in areas of higher temperatures such as on heating elements or on the interior of pumps where the impeller friction causes excess heat. This mechanical precipitation lowers both your calcium and alkalinity levels without contributing to any actual coral growth. So, magnesium is important for maintaining these levels, and in turn it saves you money on supplements.
Basically, magnesium acts as a way to prevent unwanted calcium carbonate precipitation so that your corals can use it instead.
Originally posted by xJake
I realize this is a bit suggestive, but it explains this topic extremely well. Basically, I like to use the following metaphor the describe the relationship between Magnesium and Calcium/Alkalinity...
Think of calcium as a male, and alkalinity as a female. They are naturally attracted to each other when dissolved in water, and when they bond they achieve a state of "happiness" as calcium carbonate. These two molecules look for ways to bond and form calcium carbonate, and they are constantly trying to do so. Think of magnesium as a sort of "chaperon" (or perhaps "The Catholic Church" if you will) in this case and coral calcification as almost like "marriage". Magnesium prevents calcium and alkalinity from prematurely "bonding" before "marriage." Without enough magnesium (~3x calcium), any "unchaperoned" calcium and alkalinity can begin bonding wherever. This causes any extra calcium and carbonate (alkalinity) ions, that the magnesium can't "chaperon," to precipitate out of the water column. This usually occurs in areas of higher temperatures such as on heating elements or on the interior of pumps where the impeller friction causes excess heat. This mechanical precipitation lowers both your calcium and alkalinity levels without contributing to any actual coral growth. So, magnesium is important for maintaining these levels, and in turn it saves you money on supplements.
Basically, magnesium acts as a way to prevent unwanted calcium carbonate precipitation so that your corals can use it instead.
