Lifehacks

What does magnesium do in a reef tank?

What does magnesium do in a reef tank?

Magnesium helps maintain calcium and alkalinity levels in a reef tank. If levels are too low, calcium will combine with alkalinity to create calcium carbonate in the water column. This creates a “snow” that can stick to pumps, impellers and heaters instead of being used by corals to build their skeletons.

Can magnesium be too high in reef tank?

Even levels as high as 1500 ppm are usually harmless, but if you do wish to lower it, a water change is your best bet (remember to use water with a lower magnesium salt mix).

Does coralline algae need magnesium?

Since coralline algae uses calcium, carbonate and magnesium to grow, not to mention many trace elements, explosive growth of CCA can be viewed to be in direct competition with aquarium corals.

How do you increase coralline algae growth?

Exactly how much or little light is required for optimum growth varies with the types of coralline algae. Some prefer higher lighting, while others prefer low lighting. Aquarists have found that as their tank lights get older and the spectrum and intensity fades, their coralline algae growth increases.

Do ZOAS need magnesium?

For Zoanthid Care, there is very little that needs to be done in regards to special alkalinity, calcium, or magnesium levels. Maintaining Magnesium near 1300ppm is also beneficial. Though this is not specific to zoanthid care, most zoa owners have mixed reef tanks where this would benefit.

What should magnesium be in a marine tank?

between 1250 and 1350 ppm
Magnesium levels in a reef aquarium should be between 1250 and 1350 ppm. Since each aquarium is different, it will use magnesium at its own rate. Typically, aquarists keeping fish-only tanks do not have problems with low levels of magnesium, as the major element is used slowly in this type of set-up.

What happens if your magnesium is too high?

Magnesium levels between 7 and 12 mg/dL can impact the heart and lungs, and levels in the upper end of this range may cause extreme fatigue and low blood pressure. Levels above 12 mg/dL can lead to muscle paralysis and hyperventilation. When levels are above 15.6 mg/dL, the condition may result in a coma.

What is a good magnesium level for a reef tank?

Is coralline algae a good thing?

Coralline algae are considered a vital part in every reef and marine aquarium. These algae produce chemicals which promote herbivorous invertebrates. These in turn keep various sea weeds from growing which would otherwise smother the algae or keep them in the shade.

How fast does coralline algae grow?

What are the Calcium Carbonate levels of your reef tank? These things will help to determine the rate of your Coralline algae growth. However, on average, you can expect to see growth between 4-8 weeks from when you began seeding.

Do you need to test magnesium for coralline algae?

If you are doing regular water changes at least 1-2x’s monthly you may not need to dose magnesium and calcium, if not then you may need to test and dose these. Coralline Algae is a calcareous algae so it utilizes both magnesium and calcium in its structure and would not be able to reproduce without them.

Why is coralline algae important to the ecosystem?

Coralline Algae also helps control the growth of less desirable algae strains by harvesting free floating nutrients that would otherwise be taken up by these rapidly growing cells. Coralline Algae also have defenses against colonization by algae – they shed their outer layer periodically to thwart competing algae that would block light over time.

What can I use to get rid of coralline algae?

A razor blade or even an (expired) credit card can do the trick. Equipment encrusted with Coralline Algae can be given a 1:20 vinegar-water bath for a day to dissolve the carbonate skeleton enough for easy removal. The same goes for aquariums encrusted with Coralline Algae.

How long does it take for coralline algae to grow?

Coralline Algae often first appears as small white or green patches on aquarium glass and live rock before solidifying into a pink or purple hued coating. Some species grow fast enough to require weekly scraping of aquarium glass while others may only grow a couple centimeters in diameter per year.