Magnesium Testing...is it necessary

Chameleon · Jan 7, 2012

Hello everyone,
I am just wondering if its important to test mag levels when regular water changes are performed. I was under the impression since mag isn't used in calcification it its used up very quickly and water changes keep it in check. Is this true. Should I be testing mag levels? Thanks.
Regards,
Cham

btkrausen · Jan 7, 2012

Magnesium is a part of calcification if I'm not mistaken. Additionally, you can't keep higher calcium levels without Magnesium at proper levels.

Aquaph8 · Jan 7, 2012

If your Mag gets too low it will make it very difficult to maintain your calcium and alk. I shoot for 1300-1350.

Chameleon · Jan 7, 2012

so what lowers magnesium. I've observed the reactions employed by corals at this link:
How Reefs are Built I havent don't see where mag is used. is it a catalyst? I understand that its important for keeping Ca 2+ ions and in solution and keeping the alkalinity in check(I'm a PhD student for biochemsitry

) but have people found their levels drop on a regular basis and they have to test and dose to counteract?
Thanks for the replies.
Regards,
Cham

KJAG · Jan 7, 2012

I like to be sure where my levels are at so I test for it, but ive found that it really doesnt fluctuate too much with my bi weekly partial change routine with no additional (Mg) dosing.I may or may not stop buying the Mg test kits until I add a bit more livestock or change tanks but then again the Mg kits arent too $

Aquaph8 · Jan 7, 2012

Mine will creep down over time but it happens pretty slow. I assume water changes keep up on it for the most part but that probably depends on what salt your using. I usually only have to dose every couple of months to bump it back up where I want it.

Troylee · Jan 7, 2012

Mine burns it up like tomorrow... Mag is more important than cal and alk in a sense... If your mag is low then you can't keep the others in check... It stabilizes your cal and alk fwiw... Hth

Aquaph8 · Jan 7, 2012

Mine did at one point too but now I dont have to dose hardly at all. I do a lot more water changes these days and I switch from IO to reef crystal, could be either I guess.