How is magmesium depleted in a reef tank? And does this need to be supplemented

[jwavec]

regularly like Ca2+ does? I was planning on using Ms.Wages to keep alkalinity and calcium maintained, then I read Randy Farley's article and he also supplements magnesium periodically. How do most of you supplement magnesium when it is needed?

[CarmieJo]

There is a direct relationship between Ca & Mg and both are taken up by corals. If the Mg level is too low you will have difficulty maintaining adequate Ca levels. Never dose what you don't test for. Here is an article A Simplified Guide to the Relationship Between Calcium, Alkalinity, Magnesium and pH by Randy Holmes-Farley - Reefkeeping.com (http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-06/rhf/index.php) you might like to read.

[bubbletip]

Hey jwavec,

You can add magnesium already bottled by different companies that generally are the same product as what is used in the recipe. I use E.S.V. Mag Chloride along with their two part system(Alk and Ca). On my mini 30gallon it is a very low cost for a year's worth of dosing. Magnesium is added much less frequently than alk and Ca. Buy a Salifert mag, ca, and alk kit and see for yourself what your tank is taking in over two - three weeks. After you start to discover the relationship between the three(Alk, Mag, and Ca) you will know what you need to dose.

Check out Two Part Solution, Discount Calcium and Alkalinity Supplies (http://www.twopartsolution.com/) for an easy explanation of the additives used in Randy Holmes Farley's recipe.

Good luck and check back if you have any other questions.:up:

[CarmieJo]

Actually the link I gave wasn't for the d-i-y tow part solution, Here it is An Improved Do-it-Yourself Two-Part Calcium and Alkalinity Supplement System by Randy Holmes-Farley - Reefkeeping.com (http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-02/rhf/index.php). I have found that you can get the Dow Flake at janitorial supply places if you don't find it at the hardware.