Do I need to add magnesium

[corbett_n]

I don't add any magnesium to my 30g reef tank, do I need too?
MY corals are pretty slow growing could this be part of the problem. Do I have to add it, and what does it do?

Nitrates: 0
Phosphate: 0
Calcium: 450
KH: 9
Lights: t5ho

[madcowz]

Test for it first.

[hootie51]

test...then adjust.

[aquaman67]

How do you know your magnesium level isn't perfect right now?

You really have to test anything you add.

Here are some good articles that will explain why you want to check your magnesium levels if you haven't already read them.

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/oct2003/chem.htm

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-06/rhf/index.php

[RA]

If you are a Marine Biologist I would think that you already know that answer.

[corbett_n]

Do you think i go around and check the magnesium levels of the ocean? There is more to marine Biology than having a reef tank. Marine Biology has nothing to do with creating an artificial system. Thanks to the people who didn't give me a smart @%$ response.

[spike78]

Marine Biology has nothing to do with creating an artificial reef system? I would consider a reef tank a massive experiment in Marine Biology.

[corbett_n]

I would consider it a very minor experiment in Marine biology. Marine Biology encompasses so much, little of it has to do with reefs and almost none of it has to do with reef tanks. You just hear about the research done on reefs because it is a hot topic to reefers, tourist, and the media. If anything I shouldn't have a reef tank being a Marine Biologist.
I was saying that being a Marine Biologist doesn't give you all the knowledge one needs to keep an artificial system. You can't know how to operate on effectively without asking questions and doing your own research. I just didn't need member RA telling me I should know something because I am a Marine Biologist. He is a QA Engineer, does he know how to build a bridge on his own.

[skaterzero22]

wow reef central is getting hostile lately..

[corbett_n]

I was just asking a simple question, and trying to get responses from experienced reefers

[jimwat]

Originally posted by corbett_n
I was just asking a simple question, and trying to get responses from experienced reefers

Take a deep breath...

...and get a test kit.

Your magnesium needs will vary depending on what you are housing and the salt mix you are using.

[macronut]

In the past I avoided reef central due reading hostile postings. It's becoming more prevelent and it does concern me. My questions is why be this way?

[corbett_n]

I will get a test kit. I use seawater I get from work. I first chlorinate and declorinate the water to kill hitchhikers (oysters, starfish, barnacles). Hopefully it should have enough of everything I need. thanks for the advice. Breathing deeply

[corbett_n]

What would be a symptom of low mag

[jimwat]

Originally posted by macronut
In the past I avoided reef central due reading hostile postings. It's becoming more prevelent and it does concern me. My questions is why be this way?

I get hostile when someone tries to hijack my thread...but that's just me.

[jimwat]

Originally posted by corbett_n
What would be a symptom of low mag

Pretty much the same as low calcium (slow growth of SPS, LPS, Coraline, etc.).

[snorvich]

In any case, I suggest reading some of the articles in the chemistry forum where Randy discusses the relationship of Calcium, Alkalinity and Magnesium. But, as with all things, if you do not measure it, you cannot control it.