Importance of Magnesium

[roshi719]

I have been noticing lately on all of the boards that everyone has been realizing that low Mag levels can be attributed to a number of different things in our reefs. When I started in the hobby everyone talked about having to test calcium and alkalinity, but it has really only been in the last year otwo that I hear about people asking what is your Mag level. Is it just me or have we as a reefkeeping community become more aware of the importance of maintaining properly elevated Mag levels. I realize it is the most expensive element supplement that we use, and the main reason why expensive salt is such. Does this "cost" issue explain why people have not always kept the closest eye on this element?

Personally I have found magnesium to be important in the health of all types of corals. I also feel that it is one of the most overlooked elements to test for, and rather imposing for new reefers.

 

[kgehrke]

I find that after I achieved the proper magnesium level in my aquarium I rarely need to correct it, especially if I use decent salt. It was worth the reasonably small investment to help correct calcium and alkalinity issues in my aquarium.
Good post Roshi.

 

[jaytizzle]

A lot of people overlook the fact that Mag is the missing link in keeping Alk and Cal stable. They just don't seem to hold steady if your Mag is too low. It is very important and at this point I consider them the trinity, if you will.

I also use a high end salt, but it is more for Potassium and its lower Alk than anything else. I use Reefer's Best Salt (made by KZ) and run the ZEOvit system.

 

[ZoaFan08]

Well its hard to keep your alk/calc levels stable if your mag is way low. For me my MAG is around 1420 right now.

 

[SaraB]

A lot of people overlook the fact that Mag is the missing link in keeping Alk and Cal stable. They just don't seem to hold steady if your Mag is too low. It is very important and at this point I consider them the trinity, if you will.

I agree, people are now understanding the importance of Mag in trying keeping the other 2 stable.

 

[RBursek]

All you will need to know on it.
Chemistry and the Aquarium

 

[RBursek]

If using a low Mg salt it takes alot of dosing to get it up to desired levels, but once up it tends to deplete slower then Ca and Alk, but you need Mg at prpper levels to get and keep Ca up. The article I posted should explain it all.

 

[gparr]

Mg does more than help you maintain proper Alk and Ca levels. It plays a significant biological role at the coral tissue-skeleton interface and is necessary for corals to create healthy skeleton. Having Mg at the proper level is easily as important as alk and Ca.
Gary

 

[RBursek]

Garry, I agree, as stated in the article I posted. I just did not want to type it all.

 

[ahayes13]

i think magnesium is just as important as any other elements for our reefs. the salt i currently use runs mag at around 1080, i always dose my saltwater and mix prior to adding to the tank, so my level never fluculates. i agree about the cost though. i use trop marin bio mag and love it, although it is what i would consider fairly expensive for a small amount, but it never disappoints.
i keep my mag generally around 1500 and think all my corals seem to appreciate it. not to mention that it does help to keep down algae growth. and at the higher rate does not seem to have any negative affects on the system.

 

[Sikryd]

Mg does more than help you maintain proper Alk and Ca levels. It plays a significant biological role at the coral tissue-skeleton interface and is necessary for corals to create healthy skeleton. Having Mg at the proper level is easily as important as alk and Ca.
Gary

+1

I actually test Mag as much or more than Calcium.

 

[sciknen]

While i was just starting out I was having a problem keeping my calcium up. Low and behold my Mg was at like 750 and as soon as i brought up my Mg the calcium finally went up with it. So now i test every couple weeks and dose once a week.