Low magnesium

[docwells]

I noticed today that my magnesium was low at 1020 by sailfert kit. The only reason I checked it was that I had to readjust my calcium reator drips. Something got caught in the line last night. Is there a reason that my magnesium would drop. I had this same problem about 2 months ago. I use a calcium reactor and no other additives except phytoplankton. My tank is a 60 gallon tank. Calcium is 400, alk 4.0meq and ph 8.20. I am going to raise it, but would like to know the cause so I can correct the problem.
Thanks in advance.

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

The most likely reason for the magneisum to be low is that the starting salt mix may be low. I'd suggest measuring it. There are not many other ways that it would drop much in a situation like yours.

Here are some articles on magnesium:

Magnesium
http://www.animalnetwork.com/fish/library/articleview2.asp?Section=Aquarium+Frontiers+--+Biochemistry+of+Aquaria&RecordNo=2856


Magnesium Ion Precipitation in Reef Aquaria: A Tempest in a Teapot
http://www.animalnetwork.com/fish2/aqfm/1997/jul/bio/default.asp

Magnesium — Part I
http://www.animalnetwork.com/fish2/aqfm/1999/mar/bio/default.asp

Magnesium — Part II
http://www.animalnetwork.com/fish2/aqfm/1999/apr/bio/default.asp

A Homemade Magnesium Supplement
http://www.animalnetwork.com/fish2/aqfm/1999/june/bio/default.asp

[docwells]

Randy,
I will do that. It seems strange to me that my magnesium would drop also. I am using and have always used instant ocean salt. Maybe I got a bad bag. If not maybe I'll switch salt.

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

It could be a bad bag, or a bad test kit, or maybe it is not up to 35 ppt salinity.

[docwells]

I tested my bag of IO anf it measured 990 for magnesium. far cry from normal saltwater. That bag is history. I will try another bag I guess. Not feeling to good about IO at the present time.

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

That's too bad. Still, it might be the kit.