Low magnesium but I want corals

[jjg14e]

I have low magnesium and I wanted to know if I should fix that before I even consider putting corals (anemones and zoas) in my tank? I currently only have a peppermint shrimp in there who seems to be doing fine but I dont want to spend all this money on corals to have them die just because I wanted to cut corners.

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

whats low? and its pretty easy to suppliment

 

[Tahoe61]

Usually a simple water change with a quality saltmix will correct the magnesium value. What testing kit or method are you using.

 

[Salty1962]

Magnesium is easy to supplement. Get your levels up to NSW, @1350, before you add anything. I also believe that it varies at your salinity levels. Also remember that magnesium is utilized slowly in your tank, so after you get it up to NSW, water changes with a good quality salt mix, should take care of it from there on. After you get it stable, you should be able to slowly add more livestock. JMO
Good Luck!

 

[jjg14e]

Okay so I just got my water tested and my magnesium is actually higher than last time, it is currently at 1340. Everything else is within the correct parameters as well so I got a firefish goby and one polyp of a rasta zoanthid to add to my tank as the first coral and fish ever. I also got a hydor koralia powerhead that does 565 gph. I have a 2o gallon IM nuvo fusion all in one with a return pump already in it so the LFS said that this would be plenty of flow for my tank. let me know what you guys think! and thanks for the feedback!

 

[Bunnee911]

That powerhead may be a bit much.

 

[jjg14e]

the guy at the fish store said it would be fine for my tank, i guess ill just try it out and see how the coral responds to it

 

[jjg14e]

what powerhead do you suggest?

 

[Salty1962]

WP or MP-10

 

[kgeig001]

So far so good but too early to add an anemone.

 

[Wilsoni]

In my Fusion 20 I'm running an MP10 at 80-90% on Reef Crest but I'm not sure what that's equivalent to... it's rated at 1500+ gph and I have a Sicce Syncra 1.5 on my return which is rated at 357 gph so I have heavy flow. My tank is SPS dominant and all of my sticks seem happy.

Anyways you will probably want to alternate your flow opposed to running a steady flow of 565 gph. Also upgrading your return to a Syncra 1.0/1.5 or a MJ1200 isn't a bad idea either.

 

[Wilsoni]

If you want a quick/easy way to raise and maintain your Mg, look into Aquavitro Ions

One inner cap should safely raise your Mg by 10 ppm

 

[jjg14e]

okay i have another question, my LFS says they use instant ocean salt mix, is that a good mix to use? Im new to the hobby and dont know how to make my own saltwater yet so I buy theirs

 

[Wilsoni]

For fish only setups it isn't bad, I know of many reefers who still use IO and have success. I personally prefer RedSea Coral Pro salt as it's boosted to meet the needs of a healthy reef tank, but that's a matter of opinion.

Not to sound rude but just as a piece of advice, you should always do research prior to putting your trust in your LFS. Not all of them are bad but they do tend to offer product recommendations without having first hand experience on the products themselves. Try and avoid new hire and part time summer employees if you're seeking information... You probably already know more than them

I had a lady at my LFS swear to me that I could put a Saddle Puffer in my reef tank. I pulled the trigger on it out of stupidity, brought it home, properly acclimated it and it took a nice nip out of one of my rainbow acans... That was within 10 minutes of introducing him into the tank... Needless to say he had a very short stay as I packaged him up immediately and returned him to my LFS. ***lesson learned***