Adjusting Ca, Alk, Mag to newly mixed saltwater

[Jaebster]

I have many questions on adjusting (Ca, Alk & mag) to newly prepared saltwalter. All of the instructions I can find are for adjusting DT water with ca, Alk and Mag dissolved in to separate containers of RODI which is fine when you are topping off the evaporated water in your sump. However, how would you make the one time adjustment on a newly made salt mix when the specific gravity of the salt mix is already at 1.025? Can the dry powder be directly added to the freshly made saltwater? Must it be dissolved first to rodi as there is some adverse effect on the balance of ca/alk/mag i.e. preciitation?
When making the adjustment, which, if any, additive should be added first/last? Or does it need minor adjustments rotating through each additive?
In respect to the Alk additive for new saltmix, it seems the proper type would be the Sodium Bicarbonate as Soda Ash will cause increase in pH. Please correct me if I'm wrong.
What is the difference between magnesium chloride vs magnesium sulfate. Is there a particular form I should use for adjusting new saltmix? Or would the "Magnesium Mix" be the best option?
Using the BRS calculator, for a 75gallon mix tank, it seems that for an adjustment of the ca from 440 to 480 is 41.6 grams, which doesnt seem too much. However, increasing mag from 1350 to 1440 with "liquid magnesium mix" (I'm assuming the magnesium mix must be mixed to rodi first) takes 544.3ml. Using Magnesium Chloide will take 213 grams.
If anyone is experienced with adjusting your mix with BRS additives, please chime in with your knowledge and your process. Thank you!

 

[Jaebster]

Anyone?

 

[Zbryant]

I’ve added dry powder straight to freshly mixed salt water Without any issues. Use a reef calculator to get the exact amount to use. Ideally, you’d want to use a salt mix that has your ideal parameters already when mixed. What salt are you using? And what are your desired levels?

 

[Jaebster]

I’ve added dry powder straight to freshly mixed salt water Without any issues. Use a reef calculator to get the exact amount to use. Ideally, you’d want to use a salt mix that has your ideal parameters already when mixed. What salt are you using? And what are your desired levels?

Planning mybuild right now but wanted to go with Tropic Marin Pro Salt because of how clean it mixes without residue in mixing tank (75 gallon mixing tank will be a pain to clean). All the parameters is quite low according to the salt specs. I dont mind adjusting it before use if a dry additive can just be dumped in without causing precipitation and other adverse effects.

 

[DivingTheWorld]

I add BRS Cal powder to raise Calcium in WC water, but for Mag I use BRS liquid Mag mix (I mix up a gallon myself). Trying to calculate out the dry would be a pain. Are you saying you are trying to raise the Alk? First I've heard of Alk being too low in a salt mix but I guess that's possible.

 

[Zbryant]

I’ve adjusted alk, but doing all 3 may cause some precipitation I honesty do not know personally. Hopefully someone can chime in. I too use TM pro for the clean mixing in my new mixing station, but alk is the only think I think needs a little bump.

 

[Lithoman]

I use the same salt... I add Mag, alk, to my mix.. also Vibrant... keep 30gals ready at all times.. no problems.

 

[vetteguy53081]

If you have new seawater mix, it is in there already and I would not elevate it until you are ready to add corals which will absorb these elements.
Vibrant although a water clarifier - I would not yet add. This is a good opportunity to see how well your filters keep water clear.
You do not want to rush chemistry in any marine tank

 

[Jaebster]

Thanks for the replies. I know people say not to chase numbers but i figure "chasing" the numbers in fresh mix with 0 bioload would be easy and if stable, then adding it to tank via water changes would aid my controller from trying to chase parameters that the tank would be set up for. Read somewhere that Mag should be added first, then all, then Ca last.

Yea, wouldn't add the Vibrant in the new tank or fresh mix for new tank. Maybe after it's been seasoned.