Fixing my Ca & Mg

dallasg · Jan 2, 2016

Hi Randy,

i have tested my Ca and Mg and they are low,
Ca 300 and Mg 1110
I would like to get them to
Ca 420
Mg 1380
and know that i should do it over a few days.

Would it be safe to raise Ca by 50ppm a day? and Mg 100ppm?

I have Brightwell Calcion-P and Magnesion-P powders, i know... i won them, which i want to use until done then move to DIY, but i just need help interpreting the calcs on the label, i know its simple but would like confirmation

Ca:
stock solution is 10g per 8 fl oz., 1ml then adds 2.5ppm per gallon but if under 412ppm they say 10ml per 20 gallons, how much will the dose add if my system is 80 gal? i get 100ppm

Mg:
stock solution is 20g per 8 fl oz., 1ml then adds 6ppm per gallon but if under 1288ppm they say 10ml per 20 gallons, how much will the dose add if my system is 80 gal? i get 240ppm

is this dosage safe to do in a day? say over 12hrs?

Thanks
Dallas

Downbeach · Jan 2, 2016

What is your SG? What are you using to measure it with?

dallasg · Jan 2, 2016

Hi, SG is 1,0245, i use the large tropic marine hydrometer, i have 2 and both give the same reading, temp is 24deg

Randy Holmes-Farley · Jan 2, 2016

Brightwell Magnesium P is a fine product, but you cannot believe their directions as they apparently do not understand their own product. Use the entry for anhydrous magnesium chloride here to get a dose:

http://reef.diesyst.com/chemcalc/chem_calc3.html

For the Calcion, use the entry for anhydrous calcium chloride.

I'd stick to 25 ppm per day.

That said, raising the salinity to 35 ppt (1.0264 sg) will solve some of these issues.

dallasg · Jan 2, 2016

thanks for the reply, i will increase the salinity tomorrow, and then move from there

thanks for the links, 25ppm for both params?

Randy Holmes-Farley · Jan 2, 2016

dallasg said:
thanks for the reply, i will increase the salinity tomorrow, and then move from there

thanks for the links, 25ppm for both params?

Yes. The limit has nothing to do with the parameters themselves, but rather the potential for impurities to come along with the additives (trace metals, ammonia, etc.). Spreading it out makes the spike in any problematic chemicals less of an issue.

dallasg · Jan 2, 2016

i also have the Alkalin8.3-P, should i use the Sodium Carbonate Anhyd?

Randy Holmes-Farley · Jan 2, 2016

dallasg said:
i also have the Alkalin8.3-P, should i use the Sodium Carbonate Anhyd?

Either one is fine. Just don't believe their discussion about it getting your tank to pH 8.3 If you want more of a pH boost, use the sodium carbonate, if you want less, use the Alkalin8.3-P.