Additive Mixing Problems

Chris Harbaugh · Mar 19, 2017

Can someone give me some advice on how to mix calcium and Magnesium?? what I mean is I am mixing Red Sea Foundation A, B, and C. I have found the secret to Mixing Foundation B , but Foundation A(calcium) and C(magnesium) will not mix properly. I use only RO/DI water and I have added the powder slowly, fast, stir before adding and while adding but I am always left with a extremely large amount of powder that will not mix.. it is already time consuming mixing this up but the cost savings is substantial which is what i need. any advice or tips regarding this would be appreciated.

I have a 125g mixed reef with a 55 g refugium and a 30g mixed reef with a 20g refugium. A great lover of Tridacnid Clams which is why i need to supliment additive between water changes, especially Calcium and Alk.

wkscott · Mar 19, 2017

Sent you a private message. See if it helps.

Randy Holmes-Farley · Mar 20, 2017

Are you trying to combine A and C, or do you mean independently, they will not dissolve?

I am not certain how Red Sea formulates these, but a normal 3 part (like my DIY) has a lot of sulfate in the magnesium part, and that cannot be mixed with the calcium part without precipitating calcium sulfate. That's the reason (the only reason) that the DIY is a three part rather than a two part.

Chris Harbaugh · Mar 20, 2017

No. I do not mix any together. The instructions say so. Plus RedSea web site warns against it also.. it is quite alot left over for me also plus i have checked the expiration date also and im well within the exspiration.

Randy Holmes-Farley · Mar 20, 2017

Chris Harbaugh said:
No. I do not mix any together. The instructions say so. Plus RedSea web site warns against it also.. it is quite alot left over for me also plus i have checked the expiration date also and im well within the exspiration.

Expiration wouldn't be an issue. Try warming the solutions.

Chris Harbaugh · Mar 20, 2017

Yes sir. I have done that also..

Randy Holmes-Farley · Mar 20, 2017

I don't know what the issue might be then, aside from not following the directions with respect to volumes, or the wrong material in the package.

tjnorthdakota · Mar 21, 2017

Warming it has always worked for me, maybe give it a bit more time. I will throw the comtainer in a five gallon bucket and fill the bucket with the hottest water I can out if the tub to fully bath the container in hot water for a half hour.