Magnesium

Shtiff1 · Jul 25, 2013

I can't seem to get my mag up. It has been hanging out around 1180 to 1200. Last dose added was 35 grams of sea Chem. Alk and cal have been good at 10 and 410. Any ideas?

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Downbeach · Jul 25, 2013

It takes a lot of Mg to get your numbers up. Here is a calculator, just fill in the numbers, and it will give you the correct amount. I wouldn't increase it by more than 100ppm, so dose about half, and check the next day.

Reefing Madness · Jul 25, 2013

I agree. Takes a bunch to get it where it needs to be. Been there done that, I was really suprised how much it really takes to get it up once you've gotten it to fall off.

jeremy · Jul 25, 2013

Yeah it took me like 2 weeks and 3 bottles of kent marine mag to got mine to 1300 i was stuck at 1200 and it takes alot. But good advice from everyone use the calculator and add half one day then the rest next day and test. What test kit u using?

Shtiff1 · Jul 25, 2013

Wow, just checked out calculator and that is Alot. It was good for awhile 1300 no problem. Now down to 1200. I am using red sea. What is the best to increase and maintain? Also dry or liquid? Thank you

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bct15 · Jul 26, 2013

Have you compared your test kit to another one? I thought I couldn't get my mag up and it ended up being my test kit was bad.

My mag was actually over 1700 because I was trying to raise it. Test kit would read like 1280 right after I added then 1200/1180 the next test.

Singlefin · Jul 26, 2013

Same here. Kept adding and adding. Finally bought a new kit. It was over 1500. Had to bring it down.

Shtiff1 · Jul 26, 2013

That has crossed my mind. I'll have to take to lfs and have a second opinion.

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Downbeach · Jul 26, 2013

Shtiff1 said:
Wow, just checked out calculator and that is Alot. It was good for awhile 1300 no problem. Now down to 1200. I am using red sea. What is the best to increase and maintain? Also dry or liquid? Thank you

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What is your salinity? What are you using to measure it with? What salt mix do you use?

Shtiff1 · Jul 26, 2013

1.026, refractometer, Reef Crystals

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Downbeach · Jul 26, 2013

Is the refractometer calibrated, using a 35ppt solution? If not it may be off. I use RC @ 1.026 too and have never seen my Mg lower than 1350.

Shtiff1 · Jul 27, 2013

I have it calibrated with ro/di, don't have fluid at this time. I have also taken it to lfs and salt was Ok. Right now meter says 1.026 and hydrometer says 1.024.

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Downbeach · Jul 27, 2013

I would double check the SG using a fluid that has the same refractive index as the sample you will be testing. It might be OK, but you can't know for sure until you calibrate it.
Here is some info about calibrating your refractometer:

Refractometers and Salinity Measurement by Randy Holmes-Farley - Reefkeeping.com

I would also double check your Mg test kit/method, if you use Red Sea, here is a demo:

Red Sea Magnesium Pro Test Kit - YouTube

mcarroll · Jul 27, 2013

If you compare the difference of calibrating with solution vs RODI at 0, it's less than .001 difference. At least it was when I compared. FWIW. Most hydrometers I've calibrated were off from the factory by a lot more than that.

-Matt

Shtiff1 · Jul 27, 2013

Just got back from lfs and all was expected. They (meaning I went to 2)both gave me salt readings of 1.025,and mag was 1120. Both of these were spot on where my test were. Time to start adding Alot of mag. Thank you for all the links and help I really appreciate it.

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Reefpro · Jul 28, 2013

Try a more concentrated version of mg such as thrive or even a nice two part like brs and set on a drip based on daly or weekly consumption. I agree with others though don't raise more than 100 pts a day, good luck

Shtiff1 · Jul 28, 2013

I got some Magnesium chloride anhydrous by brightwell. I've been adding about 3 tsp which is about 15 grams I've been adding everyday until it reaches levels. Following the link posted above, it calls for about 11 Oz.

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LowezAkar24 · Sep 16, 2013

Shtiff1 said:
I can't seem to get my mag up. It has been hanging out around 1180 to 1200. Last dose added was 35 grams of sea Chem. Alk and cal have been good at 10 and 410. Any ideas?

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Bad batch of Seachem? Try ESV or Brightwell Aquatics Magnesion.

LowezAkar24 · Sep 16, 2013

What test kit are you using?

Muney Mun · Sep 16, 2013

The brightwell magnesionworked great for me I think I used 10ml and it took me about 4 to 6 days to get my mag where I needed it and was at about 1120 when I started but also u got to remember my tank isn't anything but a 55g so if urs is bigger than that it will take more than what I used. Don't quote me a those measurements I would have to look at the bottle when I got home to c exactly how much I was using