Anyone using Red Sea Coral Pro salt mix?

[Oddomatic]

I've been using this salt mix for about a year now and overall have had great results with my corals. My water parameters are for the most part perfect with the exception of one thing though, and it's driving me crazy....The magnesium levels in my tank are through the roof on a regular basis (Mg @ 1560 ppm) and I've only experienced this issue since using this specific blend of salt mix. My calcium stays consistently in the 450ppm range, Alk is good and not swinging. I tend to keep the sg @ 1.026 (a little higher than normal) and all the basic trace elements are in check with the exception of Mg. At first I thought RedSea was hot rodding the Mag levels to keep precipitation down, but after speaking with them directly they claim that if mixed to 1.025, Mg should hold around 1250ppm, so the math just doesn't add up....I'm baffled at this point. I do regular water changes, I never add supplements (I keep it as natural as possible) and everything as far as water chemistry and coral health is literally perfect. I suppose the high Mg isn't a major concern as far as coral health goes but I am meticulous. Anyone else using this mix have this issue? Any thoughts?

 

[Oddomatic]

Bump

 

[bkstang]

I used Red Sea Coral Pro mix for about 1,5 year and my corals were perfect but honestly I didn't measure Mg level at this time at all. I switched to Instant Ocean only because it's much cheaper. I do measure Mg now and I need to dose to keep it around 1350. I know some people keep Mg at much higher level than 1560 without any ill effects.

 

[Oddomatic]

Thanks for the reply. I've come to really like the Coral Pro mix for several reasons compared to other mixes. The high Magnesium levels are the only issue I can find with it. And, like you said, I don't even know if you can really classify that as a problem. Anyway, I guess it is what it is. On the up side, at least I don't have to dose to boost my Mg, haha....

 

[bkstang]

I use Epsom salt as the source of Magnesium and I add it is the top off water. Cheap don't really bother me.

 

[Oddomatic]

I agree. If it works man, then it's all good. Coral Pro is a bit costly now that you mention it, lol.

 

[MikeC]

I used Red Sea Pro for a year and a half and liked it.
I switched to ESV about 6 months ago and can't deal with the scales and measuring so I went back to Red Sea, only now Im using the Blue Bucket because I like the lower parameters for my ULN system and the ability to throw some salt in with RODI, mix it and do a water change with in 20 min.