What is your Mag level?

[Neoz]

Just wondering what other members are running for Mag levels. Since I started my 25 gallon cube (3 months) I have been staying between 1380ppm and 1425ppm. Couple of reasons for this and I'm just wondering if they are valid reasons.

I read on the forums that having a slightly higher Mag reading helps battle some forms of algae. And knowing most of the rock being used in the tank was new I wanted to battle the algae ahead of time if thats possible.

2nd reason was (and I'm really not sure about this one) because I have several Acans. Read some were on the forums that acans benefit from having a higher Mag?

Wondering if anyone can shed any experience on the benefits of having a higher Mag level? Good, Bad? Should I bring it back down?

 

[mr.maroonsalty]

I like to see mine above 1400 when I test each month. I've not seen anything about higher levels fighting algae. A ph of 8.6 is said to help. Stony corals require Mg for calcification to take place. Its the third most abundant element in sea water, and higher levels have always seamed to be fine. If you think about it the difference between 1350-1450 ppm is ~7.5%. The same relationship in calcium is a difference of 400-430 ppm, and Alk between 8.0-8.6 dkH.

 

[cardiffgiant]

I notices that mine dipped to 1170 the other day! I usually keep it at 1350. Any hgher and I notice that some of my zoas are a bit less vibrant.

Fyi, you'll usually notice nuisance algae when Mg gets too low.

 

[tent boy]

Levels around 1500 or slightly higher have helped me keep hair algea in check. Never seen any harmful effects. I have mostly just softies though.

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

1350ppm Mg is my target.

I've only seen Kent Tech M curb Bryopsis- no other type of Mg supplement works like it.

Snails, clams, (mollusks) can become lethargic when Mg levels are unnaturally elevated IME. High levels of Mg promote coralline growth.

 

[cardiffgiant]

Gary, do you know what it is about the kent Mg that makes it so effective for bryopsis?

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

Gary, do you know what it is about the kent Mg that makes it so effective for bryopsis?

nope.

An impurity has been cited the likely cause.

 

[Neoz]

Thanks for all the input. I think I will continue to run my Mag around 1400 as I have seen no ill effects so far with the corals in the tank.

The good thing is I've finally seen my first spot of coraline growth on my glass