Magnesium Testing

[Bauyer9]

I'm using the SeaChem Magnesium test kit and I can't get a reeding at all! I am having major Tank issues so it's hard to say if my levels are that far off or it's the test or user error. I've read and re-read the directions and can't get the liquid to change color. So this should mean my mag levels are EXTREMELY high? Very frustrating

 

[HolisticBear]

I'm using the SeaChem Magnesium test kit and I can't get a reeding at all! I am having major Tank issues so it's hard to say if my levels are that far off or it's the test or user error. I've read and re-read the directions and can't get the liquid to change color. So this should mean my mag levels are EXTREMELY high? Very frustrating

I don't know SeaChem, but here are a few problems with other kits that might help.

- Salifert: With Calicum you can add 80% of the liquid immediately then go drop-by-drop to find the right value. You can't do this with Mg. You have to start with drop-by-drop and swirl.
- Red Sea Mg has a bad reputation for testing high
- Some salts run high in Mg, but they should be testable. But if you have Aquaforest salt, bets are off, because it could be > 1600.
- You could always test your fresh salt and see what value you get, compare with your tank.

 

[Gil03]

I'm using the SeaChem Magnesium test kit and I can't get a reeding at all! I am having major Tank issues so it's hard to say if my levels are that far off or it's the test or user error. I've read and re-read the directions and can't get the liquid to change color. So this should mean my mag levels are EXTREMELY high? Very frustrating

So i'm guessing you fill the syringe with agent and then run out of the agent before the vile changes color? why can't you just refill the syringe with more and then keep adding drops?

 

[HolisticBear]

So i'm guessing you fill the syringe with agent and then run out of the agent before the vile changes color? why can't you just refill the syringe with more and then keep adding drops?

And this is correct, this is how I measured 1600+.

 

[Bauyer9]

I tested a fresh salt batch and was still unable to get a reading. I'm in contact with seachem now, hopefully they are able to help

 

[Crashjack]

I don't know SeaChem, but here are a few problems with other kits that might help.

- Salifert: With Calicum you can add 80% of the liquid immediately then go drop-by-drop to find the right value. You can't do this with Mg. You have to start with drop-by-drop and swirl.

I've never heard this. Not only would it take forever, but why would it matter? I've been releasing about .6 ml initially then swirling, and then about 3 drops at a time/swirl until I get to around .15-.20 ml of where I'm pretty sure I'll end up. At that time, I start going with 1 drop/swirl. My readings seem to be pretty accurate.