Trace elements in Reef Crystal salt mix

[WvReefJunkie]

I just tested my Magnesium levels in a fresh batch of Reef Crystals salt mix at a salinity of 1.025. The levels of Magnesium were 1080 ppm. Just wondering what level of Magnesium that others get when testing?

 

[Sk8r]

My last barrel of Oceanic was 1780, which is too high for my situation: I switched salt to Instant Ocean with massive water changes, and corals are much happier whether with the changes, or the lower dose of whatever was bothering them. It IS easier to dose UP to a desired level (mine is 1300) than to try to reduce it. You might want to get some dkh buffer, mg and calcium, and set your own levels, via testing, which would make the salt just fine to use.

 

[Aframomum]

My current batch of Reef Crystals at SG 1.026 is:
Mag 1470-1500 and Ca 500.
This is with Salifert kits.

 

[Dkuhlmann]

Your numbers sound low for IO Reef Crystals as mag should be between 1450-1500 just like Aframomum posted.

What you need to do is mix a fresh batch using 1/2 cup per gallon and take a reading of the new mixed water before adding it to your tank. All parameters are posted on the box or bucket that your IO Reef Crystals came in.

Before you do this mix up the salt a bit and retest. If you get the same results it sounds like they put regular IO in the RC box/bucket and you should call their customer service. The will probably issue you a voucher for a new batch or send one to you.

 

[Waters40]

Reef Crystals do mix with a lower Magnesium. I actually have to add a 1/2 cup of Kent M to my Brute mixing can every time I make new water.

 

[downbeach]

Are you sure of the accuracy of your Mg test kit? When I see Mg levels that are that low, I'm always suspicious of the SG. What are you using to measure it with? If its a swing arm type hydrometer, it may be giving you a bad reading, causing you to add too little salt mix, and by extension too little Mg...Ca and Alk too. I would suggest getting a decent refractometer, along with a a bottle of calibration solution to keep it accurate. Another possibility would be elemental stratification in the salt mix container, so make sure you've mixed it thoroughly before making up your WC water.

 

[pscheel]

My recent box of rc had been 1100. The new box has been 1400.

 

[WvReefJunkie]

I tested Magnesium with Salifert test kit.

 

[WvReefJunkie]

Iam also using a Refracometer, but I did order some calibration solution to check it though.

 

[outssider]

I got a 200gal box this summer that was low also. I called and complained and they sent out a replacement. I had to send them a sample but they sent out the new right away. they called me back 3 weeks later to confirm that the sample I sent them was indeed low (exactly as low as I told them it was). they apologized for the mistake.

 

[seamonster124]

I got a 200gal box this summer that was low also. I called and complained and they sent out a replacement. I had to send them a sample but they sent out the new right away. they called me back 3 weeks later to confirm that the sample I sent them was indeed low (exactly as low as I told them it was). they apologized for the mistake.

Which retailer?

 

[outssider]

Which retailer?

I called the company, not the retailer. A retailer will not have the lab facilities to test the sample.

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Direct line:1-800-822-1100 ext. #16115

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