#magnesium

Magnesium does not get consumed the way alkalinity and calcium do, but it does buffer the calcium-alkalinity reaction. Low magnesium makes it impossible to hold both calcium and alkalinity stable. Most reefers target 1280 to 1380 ppm, dose by ICP results, and only correct when results actually move. Reef Trak imports magnesium from seven ICP labs and lets you visualize the alk/Ca/Mg triangle on one chart.

Articles tagged magnesium

Reef Chemistry · April 2, 2026

The Best Way to Track Alkalinity, Calcium, and Magnesium in a Reef Tank

Alkalinity, calcium, and magnesium are the three pillars of reef chemistry. Tracking them well is straightforward once you know what to log, how often, and what to do with the record.

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Reef Chemistry · March 18, 2026

Reef Tank Magnesium: Target Range, Why It Matters, Testing, and Dosing

Magnesium is the silent enabler of reef chemistry. It does not visibly do anything until it drops too low — then suddenly your calcium and alkalinity stop responding to dosing. Here is what reef keepers need to know.

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