Magnesium - do I need to test in softies tank?

[Pete1433]

I am getting fed up with losing SPS and LPS. So thinking of keeping only softies.
Am I right in thinking that I don't need to worry about calcium and magnesium with just softies?

 

[KorD]

In a softy tank I would not think you need to worry about Mg too much, I know I don't.. I worry about the trace elements more then anything else..
I do however try to keep my tank inline with where it should be in the wild.. my Ak is low, but I'm working on raising it. My Mg is on the higher end, and I just have anemones and a few zoa's

 

[Tuan’s Reef]

Am going with yes, test all elements if you can even if only softies. You won’t have to worry about it later when you add something more demanding.

Mag is crucial for Calc and Alk stabilization

 

[Dr. Dendrostein]

Also if possible every 3-4 months try doing ICP test. Especially if not or dont want to be in the habit of testing. ICP will be one way to see deficiencies in water perimeters. Just a thought

 

[dhuynh]

What is your alk at? Regardless of your stocking, try to keep parameters within the standard ranges.

If you're only doing softies, it's ok at stay at the lower 8 dKh range. But mg should be around the 1200ppm range.

I believe raising your alk a little can help lower your mg.. or use a salt with lower mg.

 

[jda]

They all work in concert. If you change some water, then they will likely be fine. If you let mag get too low, then you can have problems with calcium and alk not staying in balance... lower one of these and the pH can wander and make your corals and fish mad.

You still have to worry about them, just not as much.

 

[Pete1433]

What is your alk at? Regardless of your stocking, try to keep parameters within the standard ranges.

If you're only doing softies, it's ok at stay at the lower 8 dKh range. But mg should be around the 1200ppm range.

I believe raising your alk a little can help lower your mg.. or use a salt with lower mg.

My alk is at 8.45 and my mg was at 1230 the last time I checked it, (my mg test kit has ran out - hence my question re: testing!)

 

[dhuynh]

The short answer is you don't need to test for anything.. but testing will help keep things stable and allow you to make adjustments before things go bad.

If you have a good water change schedule and start with good water, you probably can just use your corals as an indication of whether things are good or bad.

Personally, I like knowing.. and knowing is half the battle.