Brightwell aquatis

[Pcreefer]

If I could get some peoples opion just bought this stuff to make mag and calcuim from powder I'm a little confused how much do I need to make 1 gallon of mag (
Advanced: Create a stock solution by dissolving 20 grams (~4 teaspoons) of Magnesion-P in 8-fl. oz. of fresh water (preferably purified); each ml of the solution will increase magnesium concentration (â€[Mg2+]â€) in 1 US-gallon (3.785 L) of water by 6.0 ppm. [Reference: Each g of Magnesion-P will increase the [Mg2+] in 1 US-gallon (3.785 L) of water by 114.4 ppm.] If initial [Mg2+] in the aquarium is below 1,288 ppm, add stock sol’n at maximum rate of 10 ml per 20 US-gallons daily until desired [Mg2+] is attained, then dose daily or weekly as needed (see below). Maintain [Mg2+] within a range of +/-10 ppm. Once desired [Mg2+] has been acquired, measure aquarium's [Mg2+] at the same time each day over a one- to two-week period to determine the daily rate of magnesium uptake (i.e. the decrease in magnesium). To determine daily dosing rate (preferable to weekly dosing): estimate volume of water in entire aquarium system (US-gal.); divide the daily decrease in [Mg2+] by 6.0; multiply this number by volume of water in system to obtain daily ml of stock sol’n required to maintain stable [Mg2+].

 

[FishGuyTy]

My calculations come to 320 grams of powder to one gallon of water. 20 grams per 8 fl oz. 128 fl oz in a gallon/ divided by 8 fl oz which is 16 multiplied by 20 grams is 320 grams of powder needed for 128 fl oz or one gallon.

 

[FishGuyTy]

I use the powder magnesium and liquid Part A and B in my tank. I usually just mix up 8 fl oz, but I suppose you are mixing up a dosing pump jugs worth.

 

[Pcreefer]

That's what I came up with but the jar I have only contains 300 grams so that's was confusing me thanks

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I do not believe Brightwell's calculations posted above are accurate. They substantially overestimate how much it boosts magnesium. For some strange reason they have a completely inaccurate understanding of their own product.

To get a more accurate estimate, use the calculator linked on the chemistry page here (I'd post it but I am on my phone). The entry for anhydrous magnesium chloride will be fairly close, since I think that's what their product mostly is.

U

 

[FishGuyTy]

The basic instructions are 2.5 grams dissolved in 8 fl oz of fresh water per 20 gallons of aquarium water.

 

[Pcreefer]

I'm trying to make the mag solution first randy

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

If you have not dissolved it yet, I'd dissolve your 300 grams of product in 1.5 liters of water.

Then you can roughly use my DIY Recipe Magnesium entry (says Randy's Recipes 1 and 2 versions A and B) on this calculator to determine the effect it will have:

Reef Chemistry Calculator

Again, don't follow Brightwell's directions as they are not accurate.

 

[Pcreefer]

So randy 300 grams to 1.5 liters equals a little less than a half a gallon ? Is there better stuff out there I have a dual cal reactor I'm gonna start to use but I guess I still have to dose mag what a good product to use thanks

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

It is certainly a fine supplement, and I'd use it since you have it, but I can't tell what ratio of sulfate to chloride they use.

If you make a DIY from Epsom salt and good quality magnesium chloride hexahydrate, it will be about as good as can be made. That will also be a lot cheaper.

 

[Pcreefer]

Thanks is 1.5 liters just a little less than half a gallon?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

yes. It is 0.40 gallons.

 

[Pcreefer]

What do you recommend for the magnesium chloride hexahydrate and where to get it. Same for espon salt any kind will do or a specific kind thanks.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I get Epsom salt from a drug store, and don't know of any reason to not uwse that. It is a high grade material (USP = United States Pharmacopeia").

I get the magnesium chloride hexahydrate from Bulk Reef Supply, but the material from Dr. Foster and Smith may be fine too.

 

[marke]

Randy,
Why mag hexahydrate as apposed to anhydrous? Seems like anhydrous cost more? Is it better?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Anhydrous is more expensive because they heat the hexahydrate to remove the water. Since all reef applications involve dissolving it in water, the dehydration step is just a waste of energy,

So it is fine, but no better than the same sold as the hexahydrate (assuming similar impurities, etc.)

 

[Cory]

Just out of concern, magnesium chloride has ammonia apparently. Some brands say free of ammonia like they are something special. Any concern of adding ammonia remover to a magnesium mix of chloride and sulphate?

 

[marke]

Anhydrous is more expensive because they heat the hexahydrate to remove the water. Since all reef applications involve dissolving it in water, the dehydration step is just a waste of energy,

So it is fine, but no better than the same sold as the hexahydrate (assuming similar impurities, etc.)

Randy I am still confused? If dehydrate is the same as anhydrous only with moisture removed then why is it more expensive ? It need to be processed which adds cost and it is now lighter by weight with less waster hence it should cost more? Am I thinking illogically? Yes assuming both are usp grade.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Just out of concern, magnesium chloride has ammonia apparently. Some brands say free of ammonia like they are something special. Any concern of adding ammonia remover to a magnesium mix of chloride and sulphate?

Some brands do, yes.

That is why for years, Seachem refused to put magnesium chloride in their magnesium product, and it was basically Epsom salt.

But some brands are adequately low to begin with and I probably would not worry about a quality hobby brand.

For any other material, you can always measure ammonia, or add the magnesium very slowly.

Adding the ammonia remover seems unnecessary to me, but may be helpful if the material you use has substantial ammonia.