Raising magnesium

[peteyboyny]

I want to raise the mag in my system to help combat an algae problem that I've been having. Picked up some Seachem Reef Advantage Magnesium. Anyone ever use this product? Any tips other than raise it slow? I'm going to test first to get a level, then start dosing. I have a TWV of aprox 160g. Thanks.

 

[PolandSpring]

I would use Kent M Magnesium... its the best product to use if you are raising your magnesium to kill algae because it has something in it that kills bubble algae and bryopsis

 

[peteyboyny]

I would use Kent M Magnesium... its the best product to use if you are raising your magnesium to kill algae because it has something in it that kills bubble algae and bryopsis

Is there a difference in components of the products to kill algae? I was under the impression that just raising the mag to 1500 would help accomplish this.

 

[cmantis]

No use Kent-M nobody is really sure what it is in it that kills the algae but that is the only one to use. Might have to get a bit higher like 1800-2000 and go slow.

 

[edd]

im on my second week at 1800-1900 mag with kent tech m. bryopsis gone but did get some bleaching of some sps. it doesn't kill all algae i still have some bubble.

 

[SanmanReefer]

im on my second week at 1800-1900 mag with kent tech m. bryopsis gone but did get some bleaching of some sps. it doesn't kill all algae i still have some bubble.

I was about to mention bleaching, also watch your Alk. I believe higher Mag lowers Alkalinity.

 

[edd]

I was about to mention bleaching, also watch your Alk. I believe higher Mag lowers Alkalinity.

its been kinda steady at 8.4

 

[SanmanReefer]

its been kinda steady at 8.4

Great then, mine lowered when I had hig Mag levels.

 

[edd]

Great then, mine lowered when I had hig Mag levels.

did have to tinker with cal reactor.

 

[peteyboyny]

When I do finally raise the mag, how long should it remain at that high level? I don't have any bubble algae, but do have some bryopsis that's been driving me nuts.

 

[peteyboyny]

And what's the recommended dosing method? Would adding to the top off reservoir work?

 

[edd]

i read to dose into high flow and raise mag 100 per day until you reach 1800-1900, then hold it their. mixed opinions from 2-4 weeks and take carbon off line. i'm going for the 2 week mark will do a wc tomorrow and start bringing it down, i read it can take months.

 

[PolandSpring]

I'm already receiving bleaching on a lot of my sps. and I've heard it only takes a week. I didnt know you had to take carbon out. whered you read that? its just magnesium.. i dose mag with my carbon everyday for years.

 

[edd]

I'm already receiving bleaching on a lot of my sps. and I've heard it only takes a week. I didnt know you had to take carbon out. whered you read that? its just magnesium.. i dose mag with my carbon everyday for years.

i read it online, don't remember where. they said the carbon might remove what ever additive that kills the algae. they say its not the mag that kills it.
i got bleaching the first week.

 

[btldreef]

I had a huge Bryopsis problem. Used Kent's tech m for about a month. I raised it up to 1800 ppm. Most kits won't read the exact amount. You will start seeing the Bryopsis turning yellow. Remove what you can with tweezers with the flow turned down. Run filter socks to take out the excess. I also used a fox face to help rip out the Bryopsis I could not get to. I would just does it in high flow and away from corals. It has been awhile since I have done this. I believe last may I have one whole year Bryopsis free.

 

[peteyboyny]

Probably should have mentioned this earlier but, I have a small refugium with Caulerpa macros. Will raising the mag with Kent Tech M kill the macros in my fuge as well?

 

[edd]

i have a fuge with macro and dragons breath, they were fine. until your post i forgot about them but their ok.

 

[peteyboyny]

i have a fuge with macro and dragons breath, they were fine. until your post i forgot about them but their ok.

Cool.

 

[btldreef]

Do expect to loose some macro or stunted growth and lose of pods until treatment is over. Possibly ask someone local to hold precious corals, inverts, etc until its over. Not saying you will lose things but I wouldn't take that risk.