Getting the ions right: Do you dose magnesium?

[joseph.timbs]

Based on the level of magnesium that Seachem claims to use, they seem to not understand how to design a two part and it is very deficient in magnesium. I’m not overly surprised they get this wrong.

ESV does not say exactly how much is included, except by their statements that a seawater residual remains after calcification. That statement could be taken two ways, and I assume it means they are not trying to offset consumption, but rather include it to offset the salinity rise corrections. I do have confidence that ESV gets the chemistry correct.

I’d personally use ESV and add an additional amount of magnesium that amounts to 5-10% of the calcium added. That would be the same as if you were using kalkwasser or Tropic Marin Balling 3 part.

Great, that’s the one I decided to run, I’ve never fully trusted some Seachem products. A lot of folks have seemed to really like B-ionic and did well for a tank I had a decade ago and I don’t remember exactly what I did. I remember you saying once, to put it quickly, ESV b-ionic was similar to tiny water changes. Didn’t know if that’s what I’ve needed because in my system atleast, the AFR I was using just isn’t keeping up with magnesium and some trace, I’d rather not have to use all-for-reef A- and K+, just don’t want to F it up adding this and that. I’m just going supplement mag and then monitor every other week testing. 40g levels are too finicky for me, more of a challenge than I’d prefer, upgrading asap. Thanks for the help, you’re the best.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Thanks.

Happy Reefing!