First time testing levels

[Ramon Estevez]

First time testing my tanks levels phosphates and Nitrates undetectable PH 8.1-8.3. Calcium 470 Alk 11.5, magnesium was really high over 1600. Is High Magmesium harmful to the reef should I be concerned?

 

[Big G]

What is your salinity level? What kind of tool are you using to measure and calibrate it?

 

[NikoO]

I've had my magnesium over 1500, and I saw no ill effects. Just make sure it stays consistent.

 

[Ramon Estevez]

Using Salifert and Red Sea Kit to test. Salinity 1.024-26

 

[jsker]

No, things will settle in over time.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

First time testing my tanks levels phosphates and Nitrates undetectable PH 8.1-8.3. Calcium 470 Alk 11.5, magnesium was really high over 1600. Is High Magmesium harmful to the reef should I be concerned?

Did you dose it?

Red Sea kit? (apparently often not correct). Did Salifert confirm the high magnesium?

What salt mix?

 

[Ramon Estevez]

Red Sea Blue Bucket. No salifert to double check

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I expect the magnesium is not really that high.

 

[Ramon Estevez]

I expect the magnesium is not really that high.

I had my suspicions because it took me a few tests to get it to even change color.

 

[Big G]

I had my suspicions because it took me a few tests to get it to even change color.

You may want to try cleaning the testing vials with vinegar and a brush. Rinse with RODI. Dry completely and then use.

 

[ChrisOFL]

Does your red sea test kit make the water extremely cloudy before you add the red drops? I had a kit that did this and did not realize it was throwing off the results. I also use red sea blue bucket and my last bucket was not mixed very well, calcium would measure low and magnesium high (over 1500) and then switched as I got to the bottom of the bucket.

 

[Ramon Estevez]

I’m going to have to do some further investigation on that but I think I was getting better results with reef crystals.