low magnesium help

[Dingodan]

just tested parameters directly after water change; magnesium 900 ph 8.2 alk 6dkh. what causes low magnesium levels?? how do i resolve the problem.

 

[ccCapt]

I would have to say it's either a testing error or a bad test kit. Unless you happened to get a bad batch of salt, there is no salt that has mag that low. Assuming the average mag in a salt mix is 1250, it's impossible for anything to use up that much mag.

 

[Dingodan]

what are some reliable test kits? im starting to think thats the case with my calcium kit too as some of the readings dont make sense

 

[Phranque]

Yeah, that's really low for any salt. What are you using for testing? What salt?

 

[Dingodan]

wateranalysis test kit instant ocean salt mixed to 0.25 s.g.

 

[Dingodan]

sorry 0.025

 

[Phranque]

Instant Ocean is a good salt, so I'll put it down to your testing. All salts can vary from batch to batch, but not that bad.
There are a lot of good kits out there, just depending on what you want to pay. I use the Red Sea Foundation Pro kit (tests calc, alk, & mag), and am very happy with it. Other well regarded testing names include Hanna and Salifert.