Having issues with CAL and MAG lowering to "normal" levels

[rtparty]

FWIW, many people seemingly get incorrect readings (most often high but not always) with the Red Sea magnesium kit. I would not assume it is correct, especially after an unexpected big jump. It doesn't jump up or drop down fast on its own.

I had mine read 1600 once. Did another test and got 1440 like I expected. I've found you have to follow the instructions perfectly. There's a step at the beginning where you add a drop or reagent A and swirl 15 seconds. Repeat 5x. If you don't wait that 15 seconds, you skew the entire test. I've been super consistent since following that

 

[Diazcm]

I had mine read 1600 once. Did another test and got 1440 like I expected. I've found you have to follow the instructions perfectly. There's a step at the beginning where you add a drop or reagent A and swirl 15 seconds. Repeat 5x. If you don't wait that 15 seconds, you skew the entire test. I've been super consistent since following that

i agree and follow the steps exactly as described i even make sure i have all the bubbles out of the syringe so i can get that exact 2ml the test calls for but again my test kits may be old already since i have had it for a year but i dont believe these things have such a short life span.

 

[Diazcm]

and thank you all for the input anything would help right now and as of this moment i'm getting new test kits and will dose nitrate chloride very lightly and see if my corals respond well to it

 

[Reef Able]

Generally, calcium up to at least 550 ppm is not any substantial concern.

wow tht big of a range..

 

[Reef Able]

With unknown variables i would not dose anything and leave the tank and the corals alone doing your regular maintenance as you would normally. What this would do is give the tank parameters some time they need to settle down by themselves. You mentioned your are not dosing any additives so nothing is going to hurt your tank anymore. Sometimes waiting is your solution. Can you post pictures of your current corals. It would be good to compare them with the ones you already posted above.

 

[Diazcm]

With unknown variables i would not dose anything and leave the tank and the corals alone doing your regular maintenance as you would normally. What this would do is give the tank parameters some time they need to settle down by themselves. You mentioned your are not dosing any additives so nothing is going to hurt your tank anymore. Sometimes waiting is your solution. Can you post pictures of your current corals. It would be good to compare them with the ones you already posted above.

As soon as i get home today i'll take some current pictures and another test result. I'd like to do another 15% WC on thursday in hopes that'll help. what do you all think? or should i wait since i just did a WC on sunday?

 

[Diazcm]

Alright guys here’s a before and after pic of my bubble gum digi. Sorry the pics aren’t super clear but all I have is an iPhone.

 

[Diazcm]

forgot to add my results for today:
Cal- 435ppm
ALK-8.4
Mag- ran out of solution
Phos-0.06ppm
Nit- 0.75 ppm

its back to where i was before all this started and i'm happy with it just gotta see if corals like it too.

 

[Reef Able]

There u go just wait and watch

 

[Reef Able]

too hard to tell based on the picture due to the quality however i would just do couple of water changes...and leave it and watch it out...

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

too hard to tell based on the picture due to the quality however i would just do couple of water changes...and leave it and watch it out...

Why do water changes?

 

[Reef Able]

Why do water changes?

Agreed rather leave it alone is the best solution...