Mg Levels?

[NaCl_H2O]

Ok, I gotta ask other folks here. I have a Salifert Mg test kit and have never been able to see anything but subtle color changes at the high end of the test range. Does this sound like I have HIGH Mg levels, or don't know how to use this test kit? Do others get a more complete color change like the Ca or dKH kits?

I have no problem keeping Ca up around 400-450, so I assume my Mg is OK too, just bugs me that I can't test it accurately :angry

[Richard]

Try some freshly mixed sw and see what you get...

[GaryP]

1 full ml. on the salifert kit is 1500 ppm. Since most well dosed tanks are in the 1300-1400 ppm range its possible to be out of range. Just try refilling the syringe and keep titrating and see if you get a color change. Just add 1500 to whatever result you get from the 2nd syringe and that should let you know where you are at.

[NaCl_H2O]

Ok, but how drastic is the color change typically? i think my male genes (color blindness) is hindering me ;)

[GaryP]

Isn't that why you married your wife? Its pretty dramatic.

[NaCl_H2O]

Yes, you are correct, I married my wife so it would be dramatic :w00t

[GaryP]

Steve, I think it turns a blue/gray color.

[Richard]

Hey I have an idea...you could test some freshly mixed sw and see what kind of a reading you get.

[NaCl_H2O]

Hey Richard, what do you think if I just tested some freshly mixed saltwater? :P

[Richard]

LOL