Sanity check

[ptrusk]

Background. I have been using ESV B ionic for years. Using part 2 to raise calcium has left me with about a half gallon of ESV part 1 more than part 2. I want to mix a half gallon of calcium to equal ESV part 2 using Seachem Reef Advantage Calcium.

Per MFG labels, ESV 2 = 62,752 mg/L calcium ion. Reef Advantage = 335 - 341 mg calcium per gram so lets say 341 mg per gram average. So I need 184g Reef advantage to get 62,752 mg/L?

I don't have a gram scale so I assume 1/4 tsp is one gram?

I need 46 tsp Reef Advantage to make 1 liter ESV 2 equivalent? Not worried about other trace elements just calcium.

 

[Formulator]

I’m confused. mg/L is a measurement of concentration in a solution. As in mg dissolved per L of water. Reef advantage calcium is a solid. So where are you getting the 335-341 mg/L number?

What you need to know is the composition of the seachem calcium powder, like percentage calcium, strontium, and magnesium or a mg/mg value. Also need to know what calcium salt they use.

 

[ptrusk]

Ahh my bad. Reef advantage is 335 mg -347 mg per gram. Corrected post

 

[Formulator]

Ok I found it. It says 335-347 mg/g. That makes more sense. So to achieve 62,752 mg/L in half gallon, first we need to convert gallons to L. 0.5g =1.89 L. Now multiply that number by the target 62,752 to figure out how many mg calcium you need to dissolve in your half gallon: 1.89 L * 62,752 mg/L = 118,601 mg. Your seachem calcium has 341 mg in each gram (mg/g), so we divide 118,601 mg / 341 mg/g = 347.8 g.

I would strongly suggest spending $15 on a kitchen scale rather than trying to do this by volume in measuring cups/spoons.

 

[Formulator]

Also, just a note that you will be adding balanced magnesium and strontium, so consider that if you already dose magnesium.

 

[ptrusk]

Well yeah if you convert to gallons the math is the same.

 

[Formulator]

Well yeah if you convert to gallons the math is the same.

Ya I see that now. I guess the units cancel the same regardless LOL.

Edit: I don’t know if that is right actually.

You said you wanted to make a half gallon. You need 347.8 grams in the half gallon to get your target.

 

[ptrusk]

Yeah. Algebra is easy. I focused on a different area of chemistry in college.

 

[Formulator]

Yeah. Algebra is easy. I focused on a different area of chemistry in college.

I edited my post… still not sure if we are on the same page.

 

[ptrusk]

you are right. I was using liters to simplify the question. Your number is spot on for gallons

 

[Formulator]

you are right. I was using liters to simplify the question. Your number is spot on for gallons

Cool, we got there! I studied biochemistry in college BTW. But as a formulation scientist now I do more algebra than chemistry LOL. A lot of stuff just like this… you’d be surprised how many fresh grad new hires think this is rocket science

 

[ptrusk]

I am an engineer by trade. Chemistry was my worst subject. For some reason they made me take it ROFL.

 

[Formulator]

I am an engineer by trade. Chemistry was my worst subject. For some reason they made me take it ROFL.

OMG your joke about different chemistry went right over my head

Funny, I used to sneak into the lab at night and test various recreational substances for potency and purity. So I guess you could say I dabbled in chemistry inside and outside of the classroom in college…

 

[ptrusk]

Yeah thats what I was talking about