just a simple question

umm im also concerned about my galaxia coral which idk if it dieing yet theres to much polpys to notice anyhting however on lie 2 polpls it seems like the tentacles arnt coming out as much i guess its dieing: /.but i use this liquid doser called reef code-a and reef code-b twice weekly which is suposed to keep calcium and magnesiuma nd evything at the proper level. has anyone used this before and know if it relle works.

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Originally Posted by flhrci

How do you control Magnesium levels. Haven't test MAG yet I paln on getting a Salifert test kit in the morning. I am having problems raising my calcium and Alalinity, I am adding B-Ionic 2 part Cal, and Alk, I do 10-15% WC bi weekly, and have a new 6 stag RODI just installed 3 months ago.

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Magnesium is a big topic. In a nutshell, it takes a lot to bring it up, but once it is there it stays there a while.

I use an online calculator to determine what I need:
http://reef.diesyst.com/flashcalc/flashcalc.html

First, test the water for the current level. Then enter that in the spreadsheet. Next enter the level you want to achieve. Enter the total water volume of your system. Pick the Magnesium additive you'll use, and click calculate.

I use Mag Flake and Epsons Salt (Recipe #2 on this page), mixed with RO water. Then I dose what the tank needs. I wait a few days before I test to see what the level is.

You should only dose enough to raise Magnesium 100ppm per day.

Thanks for the info I will get a MAG test kit and get started, Can I run My calcium reactor will I bring the MAG level?

Your question is missing some key words, I think. ;)

Can you run the calcium reactor now? If you know how it works, and know what your current Calcium and Alkalinity levels are. This is something you need to test for virtually daily to make sure that the reactor is working properly, dialing it in to match the tank's needs. I don't know if this page was linked already, but in case you've not read it and want more input on Calcium Reactors, here's my write up. At the base of the page is a much more detailed article from Reefkeeping Online.
http://www.melevsreef.com/calcium_reactor.html

I run a Calcium Reactor on my system, and dose Magnesium as necessary. Usually that is every two to three weeks.

I have been testing Calcium and Alkalinity daily and dosing with B-ionic and not having any success thats were the MAG came into the picture. I have a Korallin C-1502 reactor and Pine Point PH controller, My question is do I need to adress the MAG first or can I run the reactor while I raise the MAG?

You can run the reactor , but there is going to be a somewhat fruitless out put as the Mag is an essential part of the process in the desired natural effects between the calcium and alkalinity needs by your corals, coraline algae, etc. IMO, get those mag levels up above 1280(I keep mine closer to 1350-1400) first and then work on the reactor.

What test kit do you use for MAG and what do you dose with?

I use Saliferts and dose with Epsom Salts(cheap and effective) or Commercial Mag suppliments like Kents(pretty pricey). Either way, be sure not to just go out and get a suppliment and dose without testing... or researching it further as there are some out there that believe using epsom salts only can be harmful in the long run. Personally, I use Epsom Salt and have seen no negative effects. However, I do advise a 10 to 20% water change with a salt higher than or equal to the 1280 PPM reading for Magnesium. I am under the impression that with the prolonged use of Esome Salts that there is a build up of sulfer that can be harmful.

Often times, the best way to get things in line is to do a 25% water change. Then turn on your calcium reactor, stop dosing B-Ionic, and dose Magnesium to get it to a good level.

Magnesium only needs to be 3x the calcium level; 1300ppm or higher works for most. For my tank 1400 is what I need to keep montipora happy.

Thanks for the help guys, I will do a 25% WC this weekend and keep testing and hopefully it will straighten out soon THANKS AGAIN!!!!