water testing

[nano-newbie]

So as you all know I am a noob. I just got some salifert testing kits for magnesium, calcium, and alkalinity. I just tried testing for mag but I dont understand how to figure the results. I added all three parts like it says to do. At the end when adding the mg-3 portion with the 1ml syringe It took almost all the liquid down to .05 so whats my mag level? I dont get it. Sorry for the noob question but any insight what be greatly appreciated. Thanks....Eric

[hypertech]

Read .05 from the chart on the sheet in the kit. I think it will say 1425 which is good.

[nano-newbie]

I think I am reading it backwards its not how much you didnt use its how much of the 1.0 that you did use to get it to change color. and I used .95-.96 so that would put my level at 60ppm :frown: which makes more sense I have not started dosing anything yet and its been a while since I did a water change. Does that make sense? Thinking out loud.

[hypertech]

If you use the chart, its the reading on the syringe when you are done.

If you do the math, its the amount used times 1500/ml.

You're mag is not 60, its in the low/mid 1400's.

[David Grigor]

Just read the line where the black stopper shows and match to the chart. Don't try to subtract from 1.0mil. That's already been done in the chart.

[nano-newbie]

So the more of the third part you use the higher your mag. is? That just seems really high considering I dont dose yet and I have been using cheap salt(instant ocean) and Its been about a month since I did a water change. You both know a heck of a lot more than me though.

[wes]

So the more of the third part you use the higher your mag. is? That just seems really high considering I dont dose yet and I have been using cheap salt(instant ocean) and Its been about a month since I did a water change. You both know a heck of a lot more than me though.

there are other places that your testing could've gotten skewed to a false high reading. repeat for consistency, and try to make every step exact.

[nano-newbie]

Here's what I came up with: magnesium 1440ppm, calcium 410ppm and alkalinity 9.6kh. Does this sound right? I picked up the two part kit from BRS and would like to start dosing, but want to make sure I am starting at the right levels.

[FastFish720]

You are within the correct ranges to start dosing, monitor your calcium and alkalinity closely for the two weeks.

As far as magnesium, you might be getting false highs, but you are probably in range. Just keep doing what you're doing as it seems to be working.

[wes]

those levels are fine, but when you're still uncomfortable with a test kit, it's best to familiarize yourself with it by doing a few tests and seeing if you're getting consistent results. Also, until your tank is actually using those things, you shouldn't dose anything. retest for accuracy, then wait a week and see how much they slip. Get your numbers back in line, then do that again. After that, you'll have an idea of how much your tank is using. if you have a small amount of calcifying organisms and your corralline hasn't taken off, it probably won't be much.

[nano-newbie]

Quote: As far as magnesium, you might be getting false highs, but you are probably in range. Just keep doing what you're doing as it seems to be working. Thats just it I havnt been doing anything except adding fish and corals. I havnt done a water change in about a month and I dont add any supplements so thats why its kinda weird

[wes]

do the test again, if possible maybe have someone who's done it a ton do it with you. I suspect a false high. if you can't get a standard, maybe get some water from someone who's tested theirs several times and compare the test.