Reef Crystals

[NoviceReefer]

I just tested new saltwater made up with Reef Crystals and came up with these results using new Salifert test kits and a refractometer.

Sp.Gr. = 1.023
Temp. = 78F
pH = 8.1
Alk = 3.66 meq/L
Mg = 1020 ppm
Ca = 280 ppm

Are these concentrations of Mg and Ca typical of most salt mixes or is there a brand that gives Mg and Ca concentrations nearer that of what is needed in a reef tank?

I have a Ca reactor trying to maintain the proper Ca concentration of 400-450 ppm but how do you get the Mg up to where it should be without adding alot of Mg supplement? Is the addition of Mg supplement the only answer?

 

[Mike02]

I too, bought a bag of reef crystals and i was shocked that the calcium level was somewhere below 300. I switched over to Kent (which i bought at reeffanatic.com by the way) and this measured right around 400. I keep a montipora and then some soft corals, but i wont be getting anymore reef crystals. i'll stick with kent and its cheaper anyway.

 

[Osama]

Has anybody tested Tropic Marin Caium & Alk

 

[Anonymous]

Last time I tested Tropic Marin (about 2 months ago) I got a CA of about 420 ppm - I do not remember the dKH but I believe it was fine.

 

[AF Founder]

<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by NoviceReefer:
<strong>I just tested new saltwater made up with Reef Crystals and came up with these results using new Salifert test kits and a refractometer.

Sp.Gr. = 1.023
Temp. = 78F
pH = 8.1
Alk = 3.66 meq/L
Mg = 1020 ppm
Ca = 280 ppm

Are these concentrations of Mg and Ca typical of most salt mixes or is there a brand that gives Mg and Ca concentrations nearer that of what is needed in a reef tank?

I have a Ca reactor trying to maintain the proper Ca concentration of 400-450 ppm but how do you get the Mg up to where it should be without adding alot of Mg supplement? Is the addition of Mg supplement the only answer?</strong><hr></blockquote>

Try bringing the specific gravity to 1.025, then check the levels.

 

[NoviceReefer]

I raised the sp.gr. to 1.025 and waited overnight for mixing. The new results are only slightly better.

Alk = 4.00 meq/L
Ca = 300 ppm
Mg = 1080 ppm

Still not what would hope for. Next time I buy, I will try Tropic Marin if there are no other suggestions.

 

[mpoed1]

I have had great luck using Instant Ocean and adding Kent Osmo-Prep marine. A jar will last for ever. It boosts buffer, calcium and magnesium. Be sure to add to fresh water before salt mix.

 

[AF Founder]

<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by NoviceReefer:
<strong>I raised the sp.gr. to 1.025 and waited overnight for mixing. The new results are only slightly better.

Alk = 4.00 meq/L
Ca = 300 ppm
Mg = 1080 ppm

Still not what would hope for. Next time I buy, I will try Tropic Marin if there are no other suggestions.</strong><hr></blockquote>

There are two other considerations: how did you mix the salt with water, and the other is the accuracy of your testing methods.
It is vital that the salt be added to the freshwater, not the water to the dry salt. Was there a lot of undisolved material left that didn't disolve? If you add the water to dry salt you will, precipitate out much of the calcium as an relatively insoluable calcium carbonate. Also, have you tried more than one test kit?
I have used IO for years, and never found it to be low in calcium, and have much higher alkalinity.

[ April 21, 2002: Message edited by: Advanced Aquarist, Editor ]</p>

 

[adamsaquatics]

It has been noted regular tap water has around a reading of around 300. So a friend told me to save your money on the super salts on the market. You are doing the right thing using a calcium reactor, your levels should be above 450 in a couple of weeks unless you change alot of water. One note that even I didn't realize is the added co-2 is so benificial to your coral, as much as the ca. and intense lighting. GEO.