Magnesium levels and other parameters

[willygwak2]

So I’ve had a 14 gallon for a few months now (6-7 months) and I just got a magnesium test kit yesterday. So I tested and it was around 750 (not ideal) so I dosed 49 mL accidentally meaning to dose about 7mL (my math was wrong). So I waited overnight and it read around 840-870 this morning. It’s a Salifert test kit so typically reliable, but also I did a very big dosing, which should bring my magnesium levels to around 1380, which was my target. But it’s been 12 hours since I last tested, and the level hasn’t really moved at all? Should I dose more? Test tap, distilled, RO/DI water to make sure my test kit isn’t broken? Also I’m getting a reef test kit tomorrow, but for now I cannot test calcium and alkalinity, or phosphates.

 

[Dread Pirate Dave]

So I’ve had a 14 gallon for a few months now (6-7 months) and I just got a magnesium test kit yesterday. So I tested and it was around 750 (not ideal) so I dosed 49 mL accidentally meaning to dose about 7mL (my math was wrong). So I waited overnight and it read around 840-870 this morning. It’s a Salifert test kit so typically reliable, but also I did a very big dosing, which should bring my magnesium levels to around 1380, which was my target. But it’s been 12 hours since I last tested, and the level hasn’t really moved at all? Should I dose more? Test tap, distilled, RO/DI water to make sure my test kit isn’t broken? Also I’m getting a reef test kit tomorrow, but for now I cannot test calcium and alkalinity, or phosphates.

What corals are in your tank? Something has to be consuming this or your salt mix is lacking it some. How often do you do water changes? I'm just wondering how you landed on magnesium while not testing other parameters. (alk, no3 and po4 especially)

 

[willygwak2]

Well I realized something was off with my tank (my shrimp was acting weird, corals weren’t open very often and they weren’t growing fast) so I ordered the api reef test kit and a separate magnesium test, which just so happened to arrive first. I use instant ocean salt. I have 6 zoas, I rainbow clove polyp, a favia, a hammer, a gorgonian, and feather duster, and an anemone

 

[Sabellafella]

Whats your calcium level?

If your calcium level is low then its for sure a salinity issue.

If your calcium level is in the standard range, it would be very unlikely your mag would be 750. I would look at the test kit first before testing the saltwater you use on water changes

 

[Dread Pirate Dave]

Well I realized something was off with my tank (my shrimp was acting weird, corals weren’t open very often and they weren’t growing fast) so I ordered the api reef test kit and a separate magnesium test, which just so happened to arrive first. I use instant ocean salt. I have 6 zoas, I rainbow clove polyp, a favia, a hammer, a gorgonian, and feather duster, and an anemone

You have mostly soft corals. What does your salt mix test at? API test kits are considered by many here to be unreliable. I have not used them myself though. As mentioned by @Sabellafella I'd check salinity and make sure you're at 35ppt. Water changes will go a long way on a 14 gallon tank, without needing to dose anything.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

There’s no possibility the tank consumed that much magnesium. Test error is by far most likely, followed by a bad batch of salt.

I’d ignore it:

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/just-say-no-to-magnesium-testing-rmm-is-born.1017528/