Magnesium Test Kit

[Gooseman]

Does anyone know where i can buy a test kit for magnesium only ... my LFS does not carry them and can't tell me where to purchase one either ... i want a good test kit so i won't have to question the results ... so many cheap kits are never quite accurate ... thanks!

 

[dustin_P74]

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=14694
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=16558
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=4394

 

[yote]

This is the one I use.
http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewI...~view~idProduct~TP4117~idCategory~FITKCA.html
Even though it does test calcium too.I've found that its simple and accurate.

 

[Gooseman]

Yote - the one you suggested does not say to what PPM it will break it down to ... do you happen to have this kit or know ... the one Dustin suggested Seachem says it is accurate to 12.5 mg/L

 

[yote]

I dont care for the seachem kits after trying their calcium kit.Never used their magnesium kit.
I looked for the directions for my tropic marin kit,couldnt find them.So I'll say whats on the box:
"This test is for the consistent and accurate measurement of the exact magnesium and calcium in saltwater.Sensitivity:calcium 4 mg/1(ppm):Magnesium 20mg/1(ppm).Good for approx.30 tests."
As for the ones Dustin posted,I'd go with the Salifert kit.If you can find it.

 

[dustin_P74]

i just went to http://www.drfosterandsmith.com and typed in magnesium into the search box and went down the list

 

[yote]

And you did a fine job Dustin:mrgreen:

I want to try the Salifert Magnesium kit,but every where I've looked says there on back order.

 

[Oscarsdad608]

Are lfs here stopped selling salifert test kits because they are always on back order and are to expensive. I don't remember off the top of my head what the went to though.

 

[dustin_P74]

wasnt/is salifert having internal company problems or am i thinking of a different company

 

[Gooseman]

what i dont get is ... if magnesium is so important in a reef tank why doesn't LFS sell test kits or even encourage you to test for it ... my LFS never said a word about testing for magnesium levels when i bought my tank

 

[yote]

Theres not very many hobbiest that even think about their magnesium levels.

 

[RyanG]

The shame is that you mag levels are just as important as calcium and alkalinity for coral grown.

 

[Oscarsdad608]

If your magnesium is off, you can have a very hard time using a 2part solution. One will need way more than the other.

 

[yote]

True.Yet most folks dont even think about it.

 

[Gooseman]

Yote i went ahead and bought the salifert test kit ...thanks for the tip ... i will let everyone know what my reading is soon as i get it ... hope it gets here soon ... my blastos are lookin bad

 

[Gooseman]

By the way ... once i have the results of my test and by chance it is low ... what is the best method to raise the levels? i had heard that you can use epsom salt ... is that true? if not ...why ... and what do you recommend?

 

[Oscarsdad608]

You can use epson salt but you need to mix it with magnesium chloride. If you google diy 2 partsolution you should find what you are looking for.

 

[daugherty]

i use ion for my mag. it is a new brand but works great. i use to use seachem

 

[yote]

I,ve heard you can use epson salt.But I use seachem myself.

 

[ccCapt]

Do-It-Yourself Magnesium Supplements for the Reef Aquarium