Corals require magnesium for the production of many enzymes and their growth. If they face a deficiency in magnesium, their growth can be impaired. For example, magnesium plays a significant role in the formation of porphyrins in chlorophyll, and without this enzyme, photosynthesis in reefs is virtually impossible.

One of the crucial parameters in a coral aquarium is maintaining and stabilizing the magnesium level in the tank water. The less fluctuation in magnesium levels we can achieve daily, the more growth and color we will observe in corals.

The appropriate magnesium level in a coral aquarium is between 1300 to 1400 mg per liter. However, a key aspect that directly affects the growth and color of corals is the stability of this level. For example, if a tank has a magnesium level of 1350 mg per liter, it is essential to consistently maintain this level.

The Ocean Lab Magnesium Test Kit allows you to read magnesium levels with maximum accuracy and high resolution in the shortest possible time.

Using the unlabeled syringe provided, draw 2 cc of aquarium water and place it into the test vial.

Using the black-labeled syringe, add 0.5 cc of Solution A to the test vial and shake for 30 seconds.

Using the small spoon, add one level scoop of Powder B to the solution and shake for 10 seconds.

Using the white-labeled syringe, draw 1 cc of Solution C after attaching the nozzle. (There is no need to remove air bubbles from the syringe; the air volume is accounted for in the test calculations.)

Begin injecting slowly while gently swirling the test vial until the test solution changes to a grayish-blue color (after adding each drop, swirl the vial and wait a few seconds). The endpoint of the test is reached when no further color change occurs after adding the next drop. Then read the remaining solution in the syringe and refer to the numbers in the test kit table to determine the magnesium level of your aquarium water.

If magnesium levels are too high or too low, it can disrupt photosynthesis and skeletal formation in corals, and also cause an ionic imbalance, which can lead to coral death and whitening. Therefore, knowing this unit is essential for aquarists to measure the magnesium level and take necessary actions. If the magnesium level in the aquarium water is low, DeepOcean Magnesium Supplement (powder or liquid) can be used for optimal adjustment. If the magnesium level is too high, siphoning part of the tank water with DeepOcean reef salt can restore the magnesium level to acceptable ranges.

Important: In many cases, due to the use of unbalanced salts or those with crystal water or the use of crushed corals in the biological system, the ionic balance of the system can be partially or completely disrupted, ultimately leading to increased calcium ions and decreased or precipitated magnesium ions. In such cases, even with regular and high use of magnesium supplements, the magnesium level may not change significantly and return to an unacceptable range, ultimately causing coral death. To address this issue, sufficient water should be siphoned using balancing salt to bring magnesium to the ideal range.

a) After use, rinse the test vial with R/O or distilled water and allow it to dry. Due to the presence of magnesium in city water and its drying residue on glass, it is preferable not to use it for rinsing.

b) Store the test kit out of reach of children and at room temperature.

c) In case of contact with skin or eyes, rinse thoroughly with water.

d) To extend the product’s lifespan, close the lid of each solution promptly after use.