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Dont forget
about Magnesium...
Magnesium is an often overlooked ion found in sea water.
Often the only time a hobbyist considers testing for it, or
supplementing, is when an aquarium is having problems
maintaining constant alkalinity and calcium balances.
For the purpose of this article we are not going to demand
you test, or even dose magnesium at regular intervals. The
purpose is to inform you of magnesium’s function in reef
aquariums, and educate on the possible side effects of
magnesium deficiencies in marine aquaria.
(Please also refer to our other helpful online brochures on
water quality.)
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About Magnesium...
In natural seawater, magnesium is readily available at an
average concentration of 1285ppm. Magnesium can be found in
a number of coral skeletons. For instance Gorgonia (Eunicilla
papillosa) has a magnesium skeletal content of 2.2-2.7%,
likewise, from the family Pocillopora, corals have a
magnesium skeletal content of 0.34%. |
Troubleshooting alkalinity and calcium imbalances with
magnesium.
Some
studies on magnesium indicate that magnesium is what holds
calcium and carbonates from precipitating from sea water,
keeping them both in the water column longer allows corals
more time to absorb the necessary ions. Through dedicated
testing it has been determined that maintaining a magnesium
level close to, or above that of natural sea water, delays
the precipitation of calcium and carbonates from sea water
by 13-20 hours. From this, one can infer that if calcium and
carbonates remain available for longer periods of time,
coral growth should increase dramatically.
If
magnesium is deficient,
then calcium and carbonates are more likely to precipitate
from seawater at higher rates. The result is ionic
imbalance, where the ratio relationship between calcium and
carbonates has been lost and impossible to maintain. (as
frequent testing of your aquariums water will show) The only
solution would be increase the available level of magnesium
(with an appropriate additive) and regain the balance
between calcium and carbonates (again, using the appropriate
additives). |
So what does that mean? Why is it important to my aquarium?
Basically, it
means that magnesium is utilized by corals skeletons, and is
an important part in the process known as calcification.
Fortunately, most modern salt mixes contain a reasonable
amount of magnesium, usually surpassing NSW (natural sea
water), and boasting levels up to or slightly surpassing
1350 ppm. |
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How often should I test magnesium?
If using an appropriate
salt mix and keeping up with regular water changes,
magnesium may never be an issue in your aquarium. Likewise,
knowing the magnesium level of your salt mix, and if need
be, making the appropriate adjustments (using an additive)
will go a long way to creating a stable healthy environment
in your aquarium. |
