Mg too high

Question
I have no idea how, but my Mg level is over 2500-2800.  I've tested it
with a couple different kits.  My Calcium is 500-600.  I have crushed
coral and 200 lbs of live rock in a 110 gallon tank.  pH is 8.4, salinity
1.024.  kH is 8-11.  I've just started testing Mg and had no problems
with my tank but tested Mg because Ca is high.  I have SPS and LPS,
leathers, zoos, crustaceans and reef friendly fish.  Water changes are
with RO/DI and Reef Crystals, Phos also 0, along of course with NH4
and No2 and N03 under 10, usually 0 also.  HELP, what to do

Answer
Hi Todd,

Great question.

First I'd like to mention that it sounds like you are taking very good care of your reef aquarium. So I commend you on that.

Magnesium (Mg), is an electropositive alkaline earth metal, and is element 12 on the periodic table of the elements;

Regarding your (Mg) Magnesium levels. Since you mentioned your level is very high, you are probably experiencing a temporary over-charge of ions. Charged Mg is Mg(2)+. A magnesium ion has 12 neutrons electrons and protons.

More than likely the affect stemmed from a mixture of the calcium's positive ions, the reverse osmosis water positive ions and mainly from the reef crystals positive ions, these combined have temporarily charged your Magnesium, giving it a Mg(2)+ characteristic.

The good news is, with time your aquarium will eventually balance itself. There is really no cause for alarm, unless you start seeing ill effects starting to take place. For example the loss of corals. Aquarium water is constantly shifting and trying to balance itself. The best we can do is try to keep it within proper range, being as close to natural sea water as possible, to sustain captive marine life.

In conclusion, I believe you would have more worries if you had a magnesium deficiency, versus the levels being to high. If you start seeing some ill effects starting to take place, you can always do a water change.

P.S. Since you didn't mention none of your marine life have negative affects I am assuming they were all okay.


Best Regards,
Dave