Phosphates and magnesium
Printed From: Utah Reefs
Category: Specialized Discussion
Forum Name: Reef Chemistry
Forum Description: A place to discuss reef chemistry.
URL: http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=47987
Printed Date: September 13 2025 at 2:07pm
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Topic: Phosphates and magnesium
Posted By: phys
Subject: Phosphates and magnesium
Date Posted: April 04 2011 at 5:34am
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Hey all,
I'm wondering what are acceptable levels of phosphates to have before they start becoming a big issue.
Also, what are some good testers for magnesium and idodine?
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Replies:
Posted By: Mark Peterson
Date Posted: April 04 2011 at 11:34am
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Phosphate(PO4) is rarely high enough to cause a problem. Some hobbyists worry too much about PO4. Algae eats PO4 so if the system has good algae growth and harvesting there is no need to worry. Same with I. 10% monthly water changes cover the need for most tanks. I don't even test for I. I just add a little every once in a while in the coral farm, especially if Xenia slow their pulsing or Zoas seem to be opening less wide. BTW, it was nice to meet you and talk at Fish-4-U the other day. ------------- Reefkeeping Tips, & quick, easy setup tricks: www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=9244 Pay it forward - become a paid WMAS member 
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Posted By: phys
Date Posted: April 04 2011 at 5:21pm
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Thanks for the info. So my weekly to bi-weekly water changes should take care of both those issues.
Yea, it was great talking with you. I'll have to take you up on the offer to visit your tanks sometime.
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Posted By: Ryan Thompson
Date Posted: April 04 2011 at 8:09pm
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Depending on what corals you have, water changes will not keep up with magnesium most of the time. I would say that 95% of the salts out there lack in magnesium to begin with. If your tank was at 1350ppm and your water change water is at 1400, it would take a 100% water change to even raise the magnesium 50ppm. A 10% weekly change will more than likely not keep up with your tanks' demands. It certainly didn't keep up with mine when my magnesium dipped down to the 900 range! Let me tell you that corals don't like magnesium that low. I like to keep mag up around 1350-1400 and there are like 2 salts that I have found that even have that high of magnesium. Just a heads up! PS - I plan to come up with my wife to the observatory one of these Wednesdays when it isn't 25F outside!
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Posted By: CapnMorgan
Date Posted: April 04 2011 at 8:29pm
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I have to agree w/ Ryan on this one. I use H2Ocean mag plus salt. It's the highest mag salt I've been able to find. ------------- Steve http://utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=40637&PID=356246" rel="nofollow - My Old 180G Mixed Reef Currently: 120G Wavefront Mixed 29G Seahorse & Softies Running ReefAngel Plus x2 435-8 |
Posted By: dc
Date Posted: April 04 2011 at 9:50pm
| i cant agree more with ryan and mark!! i also use h2ocean salt. it is the best thing i have ever done for my tank!!! 10% water changes??? maybe for softies. did you know you can get H2Ocean pre-mixed? |
Posted By: dc
Date Posted: April 04 2011 at 9:51pm
| i also think seachems salinity is a very good salt also. |
Posted By: jwoo
Date Posted: April 04 2011 at 10:23pm
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If you do dose mag make sure you get a dry additive and not a wet one. Mag can be a beast to raise if it's really low and you'll run through a bottle of liquid and not have it raised to where you need. ------------- None at the moment Soon: 72 Gallon Bowfront |
Posted By: dc
Date Posted: April 04 2011 at 10:32pm
| that is what i have heard. good to know. i need to start testing and adding mag! |
Posted By: dc
Date Posted: April 04 2011 at 10:37pm
| also watch if you use wet ones be sure it is just mag and not mixed with strontium(i think thats the stuff) its pretty easy to over do it. |
Posted By: phys
Date Posted: April 04 2011 at 11:18pm
| thanks for all the info. does anybody have a good suggestion for testing materials? |
Posted By: CapnMorgan
Date Posted: April 05 2011 at 12:02am
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I love Elos test kits. They are very accurate but do cost a bit more. If you're looking for good md-grade kits look at API or SeaChem. ------------- Steve http://utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=40637&PID=356246" rel="nofollow - My Old 180G Mixed Reef Currently: 120G Wavefront Mixed 29G Seahorse & Softies Running ReefAngel Plus x2 435-8 |