Magnesium, How Important is it for Color and PE in SPS?

[HotRocks]

Just Curious, you read things all across the board on the topic of magnesium. I know the basics of chemistry and that magnesium is required to be present in proper quantity in order for corals to Calcify etc. What I am more interested in discussing is related to color and PE. I have very slowly been raising my mag and seem to have better PE for sure, possibly helping color as well. My consumption is also increasing so I have had to adjust my dosing.

So in your experience does Mag have a direct impact on color and PE? Or is it just important for the overall health of your tank? Where do you keep it?

I used to keep my mag down around 1300ppm and am slowly working my way upward sitting about 1350ppm now .

 

[BiGGiePauls33]

I've heard that best color and PE has mg in the 1500 range. I personally haven't tested in a bit but will be today as I've noticed some paling lately. Following along. Thanks for starting this thread, it'll be good to see what others have to say.

 

[motortrendz]

I keep my mag at 1400. I also keep my calcium and alk a little higher as well. 450 and 10 dkh respectively. I never noticed more color with higher mag but definitly more growth and consumption when all 3 are balanced. I'm pretty convinced color and pe has alot and almost everything to do with nutrient control. But the combination of the 2 categories I believe will give you the best of both worlds.

 

[HotRocks]

I keep my mag at 1400. I also keep my calcium and alk a little higher as well. 450 and 10 dkh respectively. I never noticed more color with higher mag but definitly more growth and consumption when all 3 are balanced. I'm pretty convinced color and pe has alot and almost everything to do with nutrient control. But the combination of the 2 categories I believe will give you the best of both worlds.

I am just curious, what is the proper ratio for Alk/Calcium in your opinion? I know there isn't a dead set ratio.

In regards to magnesium, I know they say that you need 3X the calcium value for all of the calcium to be available. For example if you run calcium of 450 you need a minimum of 1350ppm mag in order for the 450 to be available.

 

[Halal Hotdog]

There are a few corals I have that definitely showed faster grown and better coloration with elevated magnesium 1500-1600. I do not try to keep it past 1500, but a new trace combo solution I was dosing also had mg in it and I did not realize. My montipora becomes very vibrant in color and grows very quickly as well as my photosynthetic gorgonian with elevated mg. Most of my LPS/SPS/Softies show no change.

 

[Charlie’s Frags]

I try to keep my mag above 1350

 

[bubbaque]

My mag is somewhat low at 1225 but I haven’t really noticed any difference in color.

 

[TheHarold]

Mine was above 1600 last time I checked, lol.

 

[HotRocks]

My mag is somewhat low at 1225 but I haven’t really noticed any difference in color.

Do you also run your alk and calcium on the lower end as well? I have seen your build thread and your corals are exploding with color!

 

[bubbaque]

Do you also run your alk and calcium on the lower end as well? I have seen your build thread and your corals are exploding with color!

Alk I like at 9.5 but it’s currently 8.8 and calcium is 400

 

[motortrendz]

I am just curious, what is the proper ratio for Alk/Calcium in your opinion? I know there isn't a dead set ratio.

In regards to magnesium, I know they say that you need 3X the calcium value for all of the calcium to be available. For example if you run calcium of 450 you need a minimum of 1350ppm mag in order for the 450 to be available.

I dont know of a "propper" ratio. But I do tend to see a better usage when I keep my levels higher. I've run all at 8dkh and noticed a slower uptake and had to dial my reactor back. When I keep it about 10 I find more growth and definitly have to run at a higher flow rate to maintain. I like having the bioavailability of higher calcium and mag at those alk levels.

 

[madweazl]

Our magnesium is usually 1300-1350 (little higher right now) but I run everything on the lower side compared to most (alk ~7dKh and calcium 400ppm). A little over a year ago magnesium levels climbed to 1500 and I didnt notice any differences (alk and calcium remained and current levels).

My opinion, no single parameter will make an appreciable difference, it takes a combination of things before the corals react (positively or negatively).

 

[Graffiti Spot]

Doesn’t effect color that I have ever seen. It’s just needs to be a certain number so alk and calcium can be used up normally.
Trace metals and stuff like that are the only thing that effects the appearance of corals from my experience.

 

[HotRocks]

Alk I like at 9.5 but it’s currently 8.8 and calcium is 400

Do you dose aminos or anything? Just wondering?

 

[HotRocks]

My opinion, no single parameter will make an appreciable difference, it takes a combination of things before the corals react (positively or negatively).

I largely agree, it’s just figuring out what works for your tank and what doesn’t that is such a challenge.

 

[bubbaque]

Do you dose aminos or anything? Just wondering?

I dose acropower on and off but nothing consistent.

 

[jda]

I have not checked my magnesium in a LONG time... CaRx and IO salt... your guess is as good as mine as to what it is. When I did care and did check it, nothing ever changed.

 

[HotRocks]

I dose acropower on and off but nothing consistent.

Interesting, since it’s on and off does it seem to make any sort of difference when you are actively using it?

 

[vetteguy53081]

I see best results with Mag at or above 1300 and CA at 425

 

[bubbaque]

Interesting, since it’s on and off does it seem to make any sort of difference when you are actively using it?

Not really, lol. I think if it did I’d use it more consistently. I think you might see it help more in low nutrient tanks.