Finding the right salt for the right parameters

[potatocouch]

I've been using Red Sea Salt (blue bucket) thus far only to find that their Mg is significantly low.

Tested the ASW mix (SG 1.026) only to find Mg level at 1,290 ppm.

For 50g tank, I have to dose 110 ml of Red Sea Foundation C to raise it by 60 ppm to 1,350 ppm.

At this stage, I'm not comfortable in making my own mix of Mg, so I'm thinking of purchasing Red Sea Pro (black bucket) in the future.

It looks that Red Sea Pro (black bucket) has the right parameters (for me) on Mg & Ca, but Alk is way too high at 12.7 dKH.

In the real world, when you mix it at 1.026 SG, does the water really measures at 12.7 dKH? Sometimes the claim on the bucket label and the real world don't match.

Shouldn't we be aiming at 8.5 dKH for Alk?
1,350 for Mg and 450 for Ca?

I'm really anal about my #s, apology.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

FWIW, 1290 ppm is exactly matching 35 ppt seawater, so what you are asking for is a salt with extra magnesium.

If you otherwise like that mix, why not add extra magnesium to it yourself? The cost is low.

 

[potatocouch]

FWIW, 1290 ppm is exactly matching 35 ppt seawater, so what you are asking for is a salt with extra magnesium.

If you otherwise like that mix, why not add extra magnesium to it yourself? The cost is low.

@Randy Holmes-Farley i've always under the impression we're aiming for 1,350 magic number for Mg? I need to re-read your article again