Testing for magnesium bad?

[DcoarM]

I recently was going through some problems with my tank. All of parameters were in check, but I didnt have mag test. So I went to lfs and asked them if they carried any test. They told me that it is dumb to test or even mess with magnesium. No reason to mess with it unless u want problems. Is this accurate unformation or should I be hesitant about the advice they give me?

 

[ReefKeeper09]

That is more common than it should be. That is a group of people that don't understand common chemistry. Magnesium is essential for Calcium/Alk to stay in check & not get saturated. It is of the top 3 things(besides Ammonia, Nitrite & Nitrate) we need to keep in check for a healthy, growing reef system. I think the advice they gave you is mis-directed.

Though, Magnesium isn't something you should have to dose nearly as often as Calcium & Alk. I test mine about once a week and dose accordingly. It's sad to hear that kind of advice.

Some people I know have great success without even testing or dosing for Magnesium. Though, I don't recommend it.

 

[ReefKeeper09]

A good article to refer to:

Aquarium Chemistry: Magnesium In Reef Aquaria ? Advanced Aquarist | Aquarist Magazine and Blog

 

[Reefing Madness]

That is more common than it should be. That is a group of people that don't understand common chemistry. Magnesium is essential for Calcium/Alk to stay in check & not get saturated. It is of the top 3 things(besides Ammonia, Nitrite & Nitrate) we need to keep in check for a healthy, growing reef system. I think the advice they gave you is mis-directed.

Though, Magnesium isn't something you should have to dose nearly as often as Calcium & Alk. I test mine about once a week and dose accordingly. It's sad to hear that kind of advice.

Some people I know have great success without even testing or dosing for Magnesium. Though, I don't recommend it.

Totally agree with this. Its basically a must have test kit. And a number thst needs to be kept in line like the others.

 

[Zacco]

Without proper levels of magnesium in your tank, calcium is basicly worthless in your tank. Coral's and Invert's simply can not absorb calcium without the presence of magnesium. Who ever told you that it was "dumb" to check Mag. levels doesn't need to be giving advice on salt water at that fish store. I would get in contact with the owner of the store and tell them that their staff is uneducated in salt water make up and composition.

 

[DcoarM]

Ironically he is th GM of the store and has worked there for 15+ yrs. This isn't the first time he has said something like this. He preaches that forums at for idiots and no one on the web knows what they are talking about.

 

[Antnee]

BRS, has a good video about it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mI52IyBtjp0&list=PL-aM-1WpElddk9MCBZXXzhS3rTyjNsO_1

 

[Reefing Madness]

Ironically he is th GM of the store and has worked there for 15+ yrs. This isn't the first time he has said something like this. He preaches that forums at for idiots and no one on the web knows what they are talking about.

Thats because we constantly show them up. And prove that all they are out for is a sale. But not trying to sell you a test kit is weird.

 

[Zacco]

Exactly Reefing Madness. All the more reason to complain to the owner. A GM giving wrong information and a GM passing up a sale on a test kit and Mag. Supplement. Go figure.

 

[FL_Reefer]

You deff want to test for mag, also I would look for a new LFS. Someone who will tell you that makes you think about any advice they give could not totally be trusted.