I tested my Mag level 2 days ago and it was at 1260 on a Salifert test. I don't thinks a terrible number but as I start to refine my water parameters and gain stability I would like that number to be at 1350. I'm using BRS 2 part maintenance mix of magnesium to try and slowly raise the level. I'm targeting 8.5 Alkalinity. and 450 calcium. after the first small dose of Magnesium the level rose to 1290 which seemed good. I tested Alk with Hanna Checker just to see if it was still holding at 8.5, it had risen to 8.9. After seeing this I decide to dose the small amount of mag again (100)ml the next day. I tested again and the Mag reading was still 1290 but Alaklinity had rose to 9.9. Seeing this high of alk i decide to check the calcium which had been steady at 450, it had also went up to 475. I made sure to calibrate my refractometer with calibration fluid and i'm getting 35 or 1.026 I'm just curious if what i'm seeing is normal or am I doing something wrong?
Previously I had been keeping everything in good ranges using red sea coral pro for my water changes. I noticed that I started to get some good coralline growth on my overflow. I decided that it might be time to start adding alk, and cal to the tank as its used between water changes. I decided to switch to red sea blue bucket because it mixed closer to my target values. I figured I could mix a batch and elevate the mag in the new mix and that would be a more stable process for the water changes. After switching I notice the coralline to stop growing and actualy retreat. I also noticed the alk up take to stall out.
I would be happy to provide any other details about the system that might be needed to understand what's happening. My goal is to graduate from soft coral tank into keeping stony corals. I have made decent progress in stabilizing parts of the system and now imp trying to focus on my water chemistry and understand better how it works and what I need to do. Sorry for the long post just looking to get some good advice from the knowledgeable folks on here. Thanks in advance
Previously I had been keeping everything in good ranges using red sea coral pro for my water changes. I noticed that I started to get some good coralline growth on my overflow. I decided that it might be time to start adding alk, and cal to the tank as its used between water changes. I decided to switch to red sea blue bucket because it mixed closer to my target values. I figured I could mix a batch and elevate the mag in the new mix and that would be a more stable process for the water changes. After switching I notice the coralline to stop growing and actualy retreat. I also noticed the alk up take to stall out.
I would be happy to provide any other details about the system that might be needed to understand what's happening. My goal is to graduate from soft coral tank into keeping stony corals. I have made decent progress in stabilizing parts of the system and now imp trying to focus on my water chemistry and understand better how it works and what I need to do. Sorry for the long post just looking to get some good advice from the knowledgeable folks on here. Thanks in advance