Magnesium Dosing

[eggman]

Hello all, I could use some help here. I am still fairly new to reef keeping and am having to learn how to deal with various issues. I have been battling a bryopsis problem for about 5 months now, even before my tank crashed two months ago. I have decided to give the Tech M solution a try seen here: http://www.atlantareefclub.org/forums/showthread.php?t=28278&highlight=bryopsis&page=6">http://www.atlantareefclub.org/forums/showthread.php?t=28278&highlight=bryopsis&page=6</a>

Here is my issue: For the last few months, I have been unable to raise my Magnesium levels significantly. I test at exactly 1050ppm every single time I test. I am using a Salifert test kit which I believe is fairly accurate. I started the Tech M dosing three days ago, however it still reads my magnesium level at 1050 even when slightly over-dosing. Can anyone think why this would be? Sorry if I should have already known to do so, but do I need to discontinue my protein skimmer during this period of time? I am open to any suggestions you might have. Let me know if I need to answer any other questions about my system as well.

Thanks for the help!

 

[ralph atl]

I got ya!

 

[ralph atl]

http://reef.diesyst.com/chemcalc/chem_calc3.html">http://reef.diesyst.com/chemcalc/chem_calc3.html</a>

you need to know your water volume (which u can use the calculator, too!), then, you need to raise you mag 100 per day. Use the calculator for that. Also, see the overall amount needed from 1050 to 1800..............

 

[cr500_af]

You don't need to shut of the skimmer. Have you verified the test results with another kit, or taking a sample to a LFS? That's always my first step when something doesn't make sense.
Corals use magnesium, but they use it pretty slowly. You shouldn't have to dose like mad to "stay ahead" of the consumption.
Also, have you double-checked the "math" on how much to dose? If you happen to be dosing way too little, then that could explain it to some degree too.

 

[eggman]

mysterybox;567422 wrote: http://reef.diesyst.com/chemcalc/chem_calc3.html">http://reef.diesyst.com/chemcalc/chem_calc3.html</a>

you need to know your water volume (which u can use the calculator, too!), then, you need to raise you mag 100 per day. Use the calculator for that. Also, see the overall amount needed from 1050 to 1800..............[/QUOTE]

Thanks for the link. It worked out to exactly 38.8 mL, which is almost exactly what I have been dosing over the past three days. It seems like I should be on target.

[QUOTE=][B]cr500_af;567423 wrote:[/B] You don't need to shut of the skimmer. Have you verified the test results with another kit, or taking a sample to a LFS? That's always my first step when something doesn't make sense.
Corals use magnesium, but they use it pretty slowly. You shouldn't have to dose like mad to "stay ahead" of the consumption.
Also, have you double-checked the "math" on how much to dose? If you happen to be dosing way too little, then that could explain it to some degree too.[/QUOTE]

That will be my next step. I would seriously hate if my test kit has been mis-reading over the past several months as I paid $50 for it. Thanks for the advice.

 

[ralph atl]

what is your water volume?

 

[eggman]

Eggman;567426 wrote: Thanks for the link. It worked out to exactly 38.8 mL, which is almost exactly what I have been dosing over the past three days. It seems like I should be on target.



That will be my next step. I would seriously hate if my test kit has been mis-reading over the past several months as I paid $50 for it. Thanks for the advice.

I actually take that back and read the calculator wrong. I was looking at fl oz instead. Wow, it really takes quite a bit of this product. Am I reading that right? For a total system volume of 85 gallons going from 1050 to 1150, I would need 459 mL? That doesn't sound right, the 16oz bottle is approximately 473 mL. Why does that sound like too much to me?

 

[ralph atl]

15.5 oz per day

 

[cr500_af]

That would explain it... Tech M kinda expensive, that's why it sounds high... your wallet is cringing.

 

[ralph atl]

get a gallon jug.............about 32 bucks

 

[eggman]

cr500_af;567434 wrote: That would explain it... Tech M kinda expensive, that's why it sounds high... your wallet is cringing.

I hate this hobby more and more every day....

mysterybox;567435 wrote: get a gallon jug.............

Yeah, going tomorrow to get one. I'm going to be taking out a second mortgage to pay for this tank soon...

 

[schwaggs]

Yep, buy it by the gallon when you need to get Mg up to 1800...

 

[demifelix]

sorry I don't mean to HJ this threat, but does anyone use Epsom salt to dose Mg? I read it in some aquarium chemistry article and that's what they suggested.

 

[demifelix]

I meant "thread".....sorry

 

[eggman]

demifelix;567448 wrote: sorry I don't mean to HJ this threat, but does anyone use Epsom salt to dose Mg? I read it in some aquarium chemistry article and that's what they suggested.

I have also read that in multiple posts, however for my personal issue I have to use Tech M due to the copper or some unknown additive in the solution. I'll let other more experienced reefers answer your question though...

 

[ralph atl]

demifelix;567448 wrote: sorry I don't mean to HJ this threat, but does anyone use Epsom salt to dose Mg? I read it in some aquarium chemistry article and that's what they suggested.

not a good idea, just get some mag from brs.

you have your mag sulfate and your mag chloride....you do not want too many sulfates in your tank versus chloride.

 

[morganatlanta]

I've seen some articles giving recipes using Epsom salt and Dowflake (MgCl) in a proper ratio for long term Mg management, but for bryopsis, Tech M is the ticket. It seems to have the highest success rate based on posts here an elsewhere. It worked for me where Magnesion did not.

 

[oz]

If you're raising your Mag, keep an eye on your Alk. You could drop your Alk quickly if you're not careful and cause problems.