Struggling with magnesium

[Johnny C]

I have been dosing for about 3 weeks now I have my alkaline and calcium right where I want them but I just can’t get my magnesium levels up. I have been going through a few gallons trying to get it up. And I can’t even keep a consistent level any suggestions would be greatly appreciated

 

[lapin]

Saltwater tanks should have a magnesium of between 1250 and 1350 ppm
What sort of test kit are you using?
If you used 2 gallons in 1 week something is not right.

 

[Lavey29]

Agreed, magnesium is only dosed in very small amounts as needed. Water changes typically suffice for balance. Get a second test done at your LFS.

 

[vetteguy53081]

You may be getting false readings. Are you testing right after dosing ?
What test kits are you using?
What salt mix are you using ?
Are you manually dosing OR using Trident or other unit to dose?

 

[Wasabiroot]

Those swings don't look that concerning. Only 20 points over a week period and within NSW levels. What mag are you aiming for?

 

[IKD]

Have you done a calibration on your Trident recently (assuming that is what you are using).

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

The values are perfect and changing very little. Time to stop thinking about magnesium.

 

[Johnny C]

Thanks for your responses I have been depending on apex trident. My closest LFS is over two hours away. I will get a sample and take one in tomorrow. On my way that way anyway.

 

[Johnny C]

Have you done a calibration on your Trident recently (assuming that is what you are using).

I have not. This was going to be my next thing to try. Thanks for your time

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I’d just reiterate doing nothing. Every magnesium number you posted is fine.

 

[IKD]

I’d just reiterate doing nothing. Every magnesium number you posted is fine.

I agree generally except on two points
- he is actively dosing and getting these ‘stable’ numbers. I recommend stop dosing and watching for trend
- calibration of testing should be done to ensure readings are accurate

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I agree generally except on two points
- he is actively dosing and getting these ‘stable’ numbers. I recommend stop dosing and watching for trend
- calibration of testing should be done to ensure readings are accurate

Nothing wrong with checking, but there’s no secret way magnesium is magically depleting. It cannot drop more than about 1/10th of the calcium decline. The variations above are within test error for magnesium measurements.

I have no idea what he has been dosing or how much it would have raised magnesium, but there is zero reason to keep dosing any since his levels are already above natural levels for 35 ppt seawater.

 

[Johnny C]

I agree generally except on two points
- he is actively dosing and getting these ‘stable’ numbers. I recommend stop dosing and watching for trend
- calibration of testing should be done to ensure readings are accurate

I did stop. I am watching how it starts trending. This weekend I will recalibrate and see if that was the issue. Thank you all for your input and time

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I did stop. I am watching how it starts trending. This weekend I will recalibrate and see if that was the issue. Thank you all for your input and time

That sounds like a perfect plan.

Watch it for a few weeks, not just a few days. It cannot get outside the OK range for a long time.