alk is perfect but calcium is low

gonzo64 · Jul 8, 2020

ok whats the best way to raise the mag...i do have a big bag of epson salt can i use that or do i need to mix with.....mag chloride too is that rock salt ??

Randy Holmes-Farley · Jul 9, 2020

gonzo64 said:
ok whats the best way to raise the mag...i do have a big bag of epson salt can i use that or do i need to mix with.....mag chloride too is that rock salt ??

For a one time correction that is not too large, Epsom salt is fine. For regular use or big corrections, I'd prefer to see mostly the chloride salt as Epsom salt boosts sulfate a lot more than magnesium.

gonzo64 · Jul 9, 2020

thank you for the reply.. looks like brs has a two part starter package that would help with calcium and mag and alk...so i might try this..

Randy Holmes-Farley said:
For a one time correction that is not too large, Epsom salt is fine. For regular use or big corrections, I'd prefer to see mostly the chloride salt as Epsom salt boosts sulfate a lot more than magnesium.

Randy Holmes-Farley · Jul 10, 2020

gonzo64 said:
thank you for the reply.. looks like brs has a two part starter package that would help with calcium and mag and alk...so i might try this..

Yes, that is my recipe that I described here:

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-02/rhf/index.php

Randy Holmes-Farley · Jul 10, 2020

For a magnesium only DIY, I describe those here:

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-07/rhf/index.php

gonzo64 · Jul 10, 2020

Randy Holmes-Farley said:
Yes, that is my recipe that I described here:

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-02/rhf/index.php

one more stupid question if i could...i have to wait for the supplies to arrive...there a lfs near me that has liquid mag and calcium i believe its aquavitro brand ..could i use this for now.....it would be easier to then mixing ..any thoughts....thanks

Randy Holmes-Farley · Jul 10, 2020

gonzo64 said:
one more stupid question if i could...i have to wait for the supplies to arrive...there a lfs near me that has liquid mag and calcium i believe its aquavitro brand ..could i use this for now.....it would be easier to then mixing ..any thoughts....thanks

Yes.

gonzo64 · Jul 12, 2020

how long does one wait to test the magnesium after dosing it ??

Randy Holmes-Farley · Jul 13, 2020

gonzo64 said:
how long does one wait to test the magnesium after dosing it ??

As soon is it mixes in, which might be 5 minutes in a sumpless system to an hour or more in an extended system.

Think of it like food coloring. As soon as the whole tank would be the same color, it is ready.

gonzo64 · Jul 13, 2020

Randy Holmes-Farley said:
As soon is it mixes in, which might be 5 minutes in a sumpless system to an hour or more in an extended system.

Think of it like food coloring. As soon as the hole tank would be the same color, it is ready.

thanks for all the help

dungdatinh · Jul 15, 2020

That s normal as long as they balance

gonzo64 · Jul 20, 2020

well finally got my mag up ..i did buy a different test kit to check this to see if i get same results with two different kits ..i got like a 200 difference salifert said 1140 af said 1440...i think im going to trust the newer kit cause the salifert kit is like two years old...is 1440 a little high???

gonzo64 · Jul 20, 2020

also i used the brs magnesium mix i have like a premixed gallon of this mag...will this keep for awhile..or do i have to worry about getting bacteria in this waster if this sits....how can i keep this from going bad.???