I can't figure out why my mag level is so low. I keep adding mag but it never seems to be in the desired range. I don't have a problem keeping my CA and Alk at proper levels just the MAG. I'm using saliferts mag supplement. My SW runs around 1140 to 1170 , target is 1350. Any ideas on how to get the Mag level up and keep it up?
Magnesium supplementing
- Thread starter Fishead77
- Start date
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chris&barb
Reef-Geeks
you probably just aren't adding enough. it takes a lot to raise Mg. use this to help you but dont raise it more then 100ppm per day
http://reef.diesyst.com/
http://reef.diesyst.com/
Yeh, I was thinking maybe that was the case. If I can get it around 1350 ppm maybe it won't take as much to maintain. What uses so much mag? I have a mixed reef tank. Thx.
chris&barb
Reef-Geeks
Mg isnt used in high levels, you just need a whole mess of it to raise it
mmkeeper
Well-known member
This link could help you http://home.comcast.net/~jdieck1/chem_calc3.html
Here's an updated version of the above link. I like the new one better.
http://reef.diesyst.com/
What are you using to dose Mg? If you're using something store bought, it's probably more water than anything...lol. Try Epsom Salt!! Here's a GREAT article about Ca, Alk and Mg.
http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-02/rhf/index.php
It also has a really good recipe for making supplements for all of these. As was mentioned above, Mg is used very slowly in your tank. Once you get your level up, it doesn't take much at all to keep it up. What level are you trying to get? I think a general rule of thumb is to have a Mg level that's 3X your Ca level.
http://reef.diesyst.com/
What are you using to dose Mg? If you're using something store bought, it's probably more water than anything...lol. Try Epsom Salt!! Here's a GREAT article about Ca, Alk and Mg.
http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-02/rhf/index.php
It also has a really good recipe for making supplements for all of these. As was mentioned above, Mg is used very slowly in your tank. Once you get your level up, it doesn't take much at all to keep it up. What level are you trying to get? I think a general rule of thumb is to have a Mg level that's 3X your Ca level.
I'm using liquid saliferts. The calculator said I would need 120 fluid ounces to raise my mag to 1350 ppm. Holly $#!%! Epson salt???? are you serious? I'm sure you are but, hmmmmm. I'll have to check into it. Thx.
chris&barb
Reef-Geeks
you can use Epsom salt but in the long run it will drive up sulfate levels. try and find MAG FLAKE- magnesium chloride. some home depots have it for about $15 for a 50# bag. make sure you get the brand name MAG FLAKE
http://www.meltsnow.com/products-dry-magnesium-chloride.htm
http://www.meltsnow.com/products-dry-magnesium-chloride.htm
How do you add it? Directly or disolve in ro water? How much do you add at a time? I have about 120g of water in my system.
Randy's 2 part recipe explains how to make the supplement using Mag Flake.
chris&barb
Reef-Geeks
use this calculator http://reef.diesyst.com/ to find out how much you need(dont raise more then 100ppm per day) then mix it in some RO water and drip it in.
there is no standard amount to add, every tank is different and will have different consumption rates, thats why the directions on bottled supplements(Ca,Alk,Mg) are useless. when they print the bottle they have no way of knowing what you have in your tank and how fast it will be used
If you need to raise your Mg A LOT, I'd recommend dividing the dosage that the calculator recommends into 3 and dosing 1/3 each day for 3 days. Mix the dosage supplement into a gallon of RO/DI water and drip it...just as Chris&Barb suggested.
matts125
Well-known member
it took like 3.5 lbs of seachem magnesium to raise mine from 1100 to 1350 in my 120 gallon!
DonW
R.I.P.
If your tank is lower than your fresh SW mix, then water changes are going to be the quickest, safest, most beneficial way to bring mg to a acceptable level.
Don
Don
Wow, 3.5 lbs? How long did it take you. Thanks to everyone for you help. I will be getting some mag flakes. Don, i haven't tested sw mix just the tank. might be a good idea to test the mix.
Last edited:
matts125
Well-known member
I raised mine over about 10 days doseing like 75-100 tsps a day...
it takes a ton to raise it.....
Any problems with shock to the creatures in the tank. Also once you got it up how much does it take to maintain on a weekly basis?
You said 120 fluid ounces. How does that equal out to ounces of actual epson salt? Is liquid ounces the same as actual ounces of espon salt? Just wondering how much epson salt it would take to raise your mg.
Snowboarda42
Cirrhitichthys falco
Epson salt is a crystalized form, so it would most likely take LESS epson salt than using a liquid, seeing as how most liquid supps. use alot of water in their products.
Check the reef calculators to see how much you want to add. Its really easy and REALLY helpful...
