Why is Magnesium important to a reef ???

[caribngg]

HeY guys,

Can anyone tell me why mag is important to add to a reef setup?

I always thought that enough of it came when you dit water changes.

am i wrong???

 

[seapug]

it's an alkalinity stabilizer. Keeping it elevated has some benefits but regular water changes can keep it in the normal range. I'd recommend getting a test kit before haphazardly dosing it.

 

[Untamed12]

Here's your answer. Read this:

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/oct2003/chem.htm

 

[downhillbiker]

i am along for the ride. i dont test for it or dose it. i just do water changes. kalk is my only supplement.

 

[hyperfocal]

Get a couple of Derasa clams... you'll be adding Mg 24x7

 

[Potsy]

Proper magnesium levels prevent carbonates from precipating out before corals etc. can biologically utilize them. Think of magnesium as a chemical speed bump for carbonates. When I first setup my nano as a downsize from my 75 gallon, I had the hardest time keeping my alkalinity levels up, even with judicious amounts of two-part solution. When I got around to testing the magnesium levels, they were at about 1000 ppm. I since raised them to ~1500 ppm (a little on the high side but still in range) and now have no problems.

 

[downhillbiker]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12481161#post12481161 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by hyperfocal
Get a couple of Derasa clams... you'll be adding Mg 24x7

so a clam will add mag? that seems weird...dont they get huge? would they outgrow a 72 bow tank?

 

[Electrobes]

Great googily moogily peoples! As Untamed12 has pointed out we have a ton of resources to read from in the AA magazine or even more so the chemistry forum sticky.

 

[hyperfocal]

No, derasa clams grow quickly and *consume* a lot of Mg along the way -- which is why you'll be adding a lot of Mg to keep up.

 

[downhillbiker]

gocha. didnt make sense before. now it is clear. i guess i will go ahead and get a test kit and see where my Mg level is at.

 

[hyperfocal]

Yeah, looking back I realize that what I wrote could be interpreted in a couple of ways... Maybe I should run for office

 

[downhillbiker]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12483384#post12483384 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by hyperfocal
Yeah, looking back I realize that what I wrote could be interpreted in a couple of ways... Maybe I should run for office

:lol: i am ready for a good candidate, so by all means go for it!

 

[caribngg]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12478729#post12478729 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by seapug
it's an alkalinity stabilizer. Keeping it elevated has some benefits but regular water changes can keep it in the normal range. I'd recommend getting a test kit before haphazardly dosing it.

Thanks for the advice seapug

 

[caribngg]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12479517#post12479517 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Untamed12
Here's your answer. Read this:

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/oct2003/chem.htm

That link was exactly what I needed Untamed12.

You guys are the greatest I,m glad I found this forum