Regular Instant Ocean Parameters

[PicoDeNano]

I've been running the regular Instant Ocean in my tank during cycling. Initial test results when it was first set up (Salifert kits): Alk: 10.05, which has since dropped to about 6, Calcium: 375, Phosphate: 0.03, Magnesium: 1020. Salinity is 1.025.

Since mag tested so slow, I've tested it multiple times since and it has consistently registered in the 900-1000 range.

I'm planning to add some zoas and LPS in the next couple of weeks. Eventually will add some of the easier SPS when everything is stable.

My questions are, does IO regular usually come with a wide variance and would it behoove me to switch to reef crystals instead? These are the mixes most readily available locally. I'll be doing weekly water changes to replenish, but will certainly be dosing too. Just wondering if I need to plan for wide variances and how to adjust for them with dosing. Thanks!

 

[exnisstech]

Nothing but IO here for 10 years. I'll admit I'm lazy and have only tested a fresh batch of water once or twice. I also don't test mag. I target 8.5 dkH and it mixes close enough to that for me.
I dose to maintain alk and calcium follows along.

IO salt and AFR for alk on this tank.

 

[JTP424]

Magnesium tests aren't super reliable.
Additionally, until you know what your tank livestock will consume, you shouldn't have to worry about dosing quite yet.
Using IO for years here as well and started dosing after about a year of having it up and running.

 

[rtparty]

Sounds like there might be a salinity issue. Have you calibrated your refractometer recently? If so, did you use Randy’s DIY solution?

 

[PicoDeNano]

Nothing but IO here for 10 years. I'll admit I'm lazy and have only tested a fresh batch of water once or twice. I also don't test mag. I target 8.5 dkH and it mixes close enough to that for me.
I dose to maintain alk and calcium follows along.

IO salt and AFR for alk on this tank.

I appreciate it and will keep this in mind! Beautiful set-up!

 

[PicoDeNano]

Magnesium tests aren't super reliable.
Additionally, until you know what your tank livestock will consume, you shouldn't have to worry about dosing quite yet.
Using IO for years here as well and started dosing after about a year of having it up and running.

Interesting, did not know that! Will do .

 

[JTP424]

Just say NO to magnesium testing: RMM is born

OK, this thread has been many years in the making, and I'm posting it here since folks in the chem forum are probably already tired of all the threads relating to problematic magnesium testing. I'm going to propose a method, let's call it the Randy Magnesium Method, or RMM for short. All good...

www.reef2reef.com

Yup! I learn something new on here every day myself :)

 

[PicoDeNano]

Sounds like there might be a salinity issue. Have you calibrated your refractometer recently? If so, did you use Randy’s DIY solution?

I'm a diligent calibrator and confirm with both 35ppt and rodi water frequently