Lowering Mg

Hi, to answer your question directly; So my question is: do you think this sudden change in dKH and Mg (which I've never seen before) is related to the coral addition? The skimmer addition? Both? Yes, I think that is exactly what happened. The combination of the two is what caused the swing. Your job now is to monitor your Calk and Mag consumption over the next month and determine an appropriate dosing quantity and schedule.

 

True enough. But I wasn't referring to a poll, but a study.

here is the thread: http://www.3reef.com/forums/salt/whats-your-salt-awt-study-whats-really-your-salt-45304.html

And here is the study linked to in the thread: http://reefsaltanalysis.googlepages.com/AWT_Salt_Analysis_0208.pdf

 

Thanks. Are you saying Cal or Alk? Or both (I will measure them all each week like normal, but just want to know which ones you're specifically calling out here).

 

Well, we know all are important but I was referring to Magnesium and Calcium particularly because the corals will be using it to grow. I dose a double dose of both in my tank 4-5 times a week to keep my levels in the proper range. Alkalinity works hand in hand with PH and they both work hand in hand with Calc and Mag. It is refereed to as a synergistic relationship. Most of us who have been at this awhile use a 2 part dosing system for Calc and Alkalinity. I use Kent Marine, Tech CB part A and B where A is Calc and B is the Alkaline buffer. Magnesium is added separate and it works synergisticly with Calc. The proper ratio of Mag to Calc is said to be (as found in the ocean) 3:1 If Calc = 420 the Mag should at least be 1260.