ALK & MAG LEVELS

[tango]

Just a newbie here so I don't mean to sound stupid but could someone please explain what these levels should be and what are the symptoms if they are too high or too low and are the two tied together. I have a 90 gal. reef tank.

[zhenya]

Hi tango,

Here's couple of links to help you understand relationship between Ca and Mg and Ca and Alkalinity.
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/oct2003/chem.htm
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/nov2002/chem.htm
To answer your question...
Basically, the NSW Magnesium levels are ~1285ppm, if you have levels in your tank bellow 1100 ppm( or lower) it will be very hard to keep your Alkalinity and Calcium balanced in your system. I usually try to keep it near the 1200ppm target or there abouts.

[tango]

Hi tango,

Here's couple of links to help you understand relationship between Ca and Mg and Ca and Alkalinity.
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/oct2003/chem.htm
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/nov2002/chem.htm
To answer your question...
Basically, the NSW Magnesium levels are ~1285ppm, if you have levels in your tank bellow 1100 ppm( or lower) it will be very hard to keep your Alkalinity and Calcium balanced in your system. I usually try to keep it near the 1200ppm target or there abouts.

THANKS, I will check out these links