Substitute for Mag flake in DIY 3 part

[N.Sreefer]

What do people use for diy Magnesium if they cant source MAG flake? I mixed the other 2 parts and I cant find MAG flake anywhere in canada. Would this work?

Now Foods 100% pure magnesium flakes 54 Ounce

 

[Saltyreef]

What do people use for diy Magnesium if they cant source MAG flake? I mixed the other 2 parts and I cant find MAG flake anywhere in canada. Would this work?

Now Foods 100% pure magnesium flakes 54 Ounce

Yep thats mag chloride hexahydrate like dead sea works in randys DIY article.
Cant speak to the purity though.
I would likely use it as ive used deicer before...not the purest lol.

Mix it with some epsom salts (dr teals from walmart or wherever you shop in canada) as randys article describes.
More of a balanced product as far as chloride and sulfate.

 

[N.Sreefer]

Yep thats mag chloride hexahydrate like dead sea works in randys DIY article.
Cant speak to the purity though.
I would likely use it as ive used deicer before...not the purest lol.

Mix it with some epsom salts (dr teals from walmart or wherever you shop in canada) as randys article describes.
More of a balanced product as far as chloride and sulfate.

Thanks!

 

[shwareefer]

Now Foods 100% pure magnesium flakes 54 Ounce

Did you end up using this stuff? I'm running low and was considering this exact one (I'm also in Canada).

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Food grade should be good, but I'd double check it for ammonia before making any substantial boosts with it.

Say, when you do a water change, take some of the water, boost it with 10 ppm of the magnesium, and see if there is any probnlematic ammonia.

 

[shwareefer]

Food grade should be good, but I'd double check it for ammonia before making any substantial boosts with it.

Say, when you do a water change, take some of the water, boost it with 10 ppm of the magnesium, and see if there is any probnlematic ammonia.

Thankyou!

 

[N.Sreefer]

Did you end up using this stuff? I'm running low and was considering this exact one (I'm also in Canada).

Randy was right on the money with that. I experienced some nutrient issues after using it. Can't say why because I didn't do any testing on the product but I didn't like the response from my fish and coral. I had all my LPS and softys retract.

 

[shwareefer]

Randy was right on the money with that. I experienced some nutrient issues after using it. Can't say why because I didn't do any testing on the product but I didn't like the response from my fish and coral. I had all my LPS and softys retract.

Dang, already ordered it. Guess it'll for the bathtub lol. Did you find something better?

 

[shwareefer]

Food grade should be good, but I'd double check it for ammonia before making any substantial boosts with it.

Say, when you do a water change, take some of the water, boost it with 10 ppm of the magnesium, and see if there is any probnlematic ammonia.

Hi Randy. I mixed the required amount for 10ppm in my 73gallon system volume (23 grams according to http://reef.diesyst.com/chemcalc/chemcalc.html) in 1/2 litre of RODI then I measured the solution directly with a salifert test kit. Is this a reliable way to test for ammonia or does it have to be mixed in salt water? I got possibly the lowest value on the kit or none as a result - hard to tell.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Hi Randy. I mixed the required amount for 10ppm in my 73gallon system volume (23 grams according to http://reef.diesyst.com/chemcalc/chemcalc.html) in 1/2 litre of RODI then I measured the solution directly with a salifert test kit. Is this a reliable way to test for ammonia or does it have to be mixed in salt water? I got possibly the lowest value on the kit or none as a result - hard to tell.

I expect the Salifert kit reads ammonia in fresh water, but I’m not certain.

Anyone know?

 

[shwareefer]

SInce I mixed 23grams magnesium chloride in half a liter RODI, I'm assuming that had higher S.G. than sea water anyway (35 grams per liter). I'm likely talking out my butt. Anyway I added it to my tank and nothing looked miffed so I am going to continue to use it - carefully.

 

[PeterErc]

I have been using this,
Search Dead Sea Works magnesium.

Aromasong Magnesium Flakes from The Dead Sea, 12 LB Resealable Pack (Packaging May Very) - Muscle Relaxing Magnesium Chloride Bath Salts Soak for Headaches, Stress & Leg Discomfort https://a.co/d/dzRuqzO

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

SInce I mixed 23grams magnesium chloride in half a liter RODI, I'm assuming that had higher S.G. than sea water anyway (35 grams per liter). I'm likely talking out my butt. Anyway I added it to my tank and nothing looked miffed so I am going to continue to use it - carefully.

Or most kits, the seawater/freshwater difference isn't necessarily the actual salinity that matters, but whether the pH is impacted by buffers in the water that may prevent the kit from getting to a required pH for testing.

That said, if you've added it to the tank without apparent issue, it is likely good to go.

 

[TokenReefer]

To the op's original... I've been using this fwiw
HARRIS Kind Melt Pet Friendly Ice and Snow Melter, Fast Acting 100% Pure Magnesium Chloride Formula, 10lb https://a.co/d/czKumru