High Magnesium??

Toadally · 11/29/2009, 05:27 PM

Just tested my mag and it was at 1740. I use RC salt and have from the start. When I first set the tank up it tested at 1440 and has continued to increase throughout the year. The tank is about 9 months old. I do partial wc every day of about 2%. Is this something to be concerned about? Thanks!!

HighlandReefer · 11/29/2009, 05:40 PM

Possible problems:

1) Your test kit is faulty.
2) Your method of measuring salinity is not accurate, such as using a hydrometer, resulting in a high salinity.
3) You recieved a bad batch of salt mix.
4) You are adding mag. supplements (some calcium supplements add mag.).

nano427 · 11/29/2009, 05:46 PM

look on the bright side you wont get any bryopsis

Toadally · 11/29/2009, 05:56 PM

Maybe it's the test kit. I measure salinity with a refractometer. The salt mix is Reef Crystals from a 200gal box. I don't add magnesium, but I do add BRS 2 part recipe1 in combination with kalk.

The question is, if it is correct is it a bad thing? I know it should be around 1350. Thanks!

HighlandReefer · 11/29/2009, 06:15 PM

I have seen no scientific data regarding high mag., but many other hobbyists have had their levels up that high.

The biggest concern IMHO, would be contaminates associated with increasing mag. that high and how quickly one raises the mag. level. In this scenario, I would assume you would have seen negative effects when your mag. was first elevated.

FWIW, I would get a second opinion on your mag. kit to make sure you do not have a faulty batch of salt.

Toadally · 11/29/2009, 06:28 PM

Thanks Highland I'll check with another kit.

Toadally · 11/29/2009, 07:16 PM

The kit must be off. I tested a new batch of RC and it tested at 1980. Figuring the difference between 1740 of the tank, and 1980 of the batch of water I should be around 1200 or so. I need a new test kit!

HighlandReefer · 11/30/2009, 07:35 AM

It is likely the kit, but time will tell when you get a second opinon on it.

Happy Reefing.

11/29/2009, 05:27 PM	#1
Toadally Registered Member Join Date: May 2001 Location: Mount Holly, NC Posts: 986	High Magnesium?? Just tested my mag and it was at 1740. I use RC salt and have from the start. When I first set the tank up it tested at 1440 and has continued to increase throughout the year. The tank is about 9 months old. I do partial wc every day of about 2%. Is this something to be concerned about? Thanks!! __________________ _Michael "Who was the first person to look at a cow and say, "I think I'll squeeze these dangly things here, and drink whatever comes out?" Reef Aquarium Society of Charlotte (RASOC) Treasurer Current Tank Info: 57gal. Illuminata, Bubble Magus Skimmer, Tek Elite 6x39w, 40gal. Breeder, 2x A150w Kessil LED

11/29/2009, 05:40 PM	#2
HighlandReefer Team RC Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Highland, Maryland Entomologist Posts: 14,591	Possible problems: 1) Your test kit is faulty. 2) Your method of measuring salinity is not accurate, such as using a hydrometer, resulting in a high salinity. 3) You recieved a bad batch of salt mix. 4) You are adding mag. supplements (some calcium supplements add mag.). __________________ Cliff Babcock Intestests: Digital Microscopy; Marine Pest Control; Marine Plants & Macroalgae Current Tank Info: 180 g. mixed reef system

11/29/2009, 05:56 PM	#4
Toadally Registered Member Join Date: May 2001 Location: Mount Holly, NC Posts: 986	Maybe it's the test kit. I measure salinity with a refractometer. The salt mix is Reef Crystals from a 200gal box. I don't add magnesium, but I do add BRS 2 part recipe1 in combination with kalk. The question is, if it is correct is it a bad thing? I know it should be around 1350. Thanks! __________________ _Michael "Who was the first person to look at a cow and say, "I think I'll squeeze these dangly things here, and drink whatever comes out?" Reef Aquarium Society of Charlotte (RASOC) Treasurer Current Tank Info: 57gal. Illuminata, Bubble Magus Skimmer, Tek Elite 6x39w, 40gal. Breeder, 2x A150w Kessil LED

11/29/2009, 06:15 PM	#5
HighlandReefer Team RC Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Highland, Maryland Entomologist Posts: 14,591	I have seen no scientific data regarding high mag., but many other hobbyists have had their levels up that high. The biggest concern IMHO, would be contaminates associated with increasing mag. that high and how quickly one raises the mag. level. In this scenario, I would assume you would have seen negative effects when your mag. was first elevated. FWIW, I would get a second opinion on your mag. kit to make sure you do not have a faulty batch of salt. __________________ Cliff Babcock Intestests: Digital Microscopy; Marine Pest Control; Marine Plants & Macroalgae Current Tank Info: 180 g. mixed reef system

11/29/2009, 06:28 PM	#6
Toadally Registered Member Join Date: May 2001 Location: Mount Holly, NC Posts: 986	Thanks Highland I'll check with another kit. __________________ _Michael "Who was the first person to look at a cow and say, "I think I'll squeeze these dangly things here, and drink whatever comes out?" Reef Aquarium Society of Charlotte (RASOC) Treasurer Current Tank Info: 57gal. Illuminata, Bubble Magus Skimmer, Tek Elite 6x39w, 40gal. Breeder, 2x A150w Kessil LED

11/29/2009, 05:46 PM	#3
nano427 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: AV OC CA USA Posts: 877	look on the bright side you wont get any bryopsis

11/29/2009, 07:16 PM	#7
Toadally Registered Member Join Date: May 2001 Location: Mount Holly, NC Posts: 986	The kit must be off. I tested a new batch of RC and it tested at 1980. Figuring the difference between 1740 of the tank, and 1980 of the batch of water I should be around 1200 or so. I need a new test kit! __________________ _Michael "Who was the first person to look at a cow and say, "I think I'll squeeze these dangly things here, and drink whatever comes out?" Reef Aquarium Society of Charlotte (RASOC) Treasurer Current Tank Info: 57gal. Illuminata, Bubble Magus Skimmer, Tek Elite 6x39w, 40gal. Breeder, 2x A150w Kessil LED

11/30/2009, 07:35 AM	#8
HighlandReefer Team RC Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Highland, Maryland Entomologist Posts: 14,591	It is likely the kit, but time will tell when you get a second opinon on it. Happy Reefing. __________________ Cliff Babcock Intestests: Digital Microscopy; Marine Pest Control; Marine Plants & Macroalgae Current Tank Info: 180 g. mixed reef system