What’s in my jug?

Isaac Alves · May 6, 2023

I have a 1 gallon BRS jug filled with a clear liquid. It’s either Calcium Chloride or it’s my magnesium mix. I stupidly did not label it.

I’m sure the answer is obvious but can I simply use the corresponding Salifert kit to test if it’s a Magnesium or Calcium solution?

What should the resulting readings be? I’m using the Randy’s Higher pH recipe mixtures.

mbmartin06 · May 6, 2023

I think you could take seawater, test it, then add some of the solution. Then test again to see which level rises. Probably an easier way that should work.

Isaac Alves · May 6, 2023

mbmartin06 said:
I think you could take seawater, test it, then add some of the solution. Then test again to see which level rises. Probably an easier way that should work.

Smart. I’ll try this.

Randy Holmes-Farley · May 7, 2023

If you have more of the dry magnesium mix, then assuming this is the BRS mix (my DIY), then you can add a bit to a sample of the liquid. If it goes cloudy (calcium sulfate forming), it is the calcium. If it stays clear, it is the magnesium.

Isaac Alves · May 7, 2023

Randy Holmes-Farley said:
If you have more of the dry magnesium mix, then assuming this is the BRS mix (my DIY), then you can add a bit to a sample of the liquid. If it goes cloudy (calcium sulfate forming), it is the calcium. If it stays clear, it is the magnesium.

That’s even easier. Awesome. Thank you!

Randy Holmes-Farley · May 7, 2023

Isaac Alves said:
That’s even easier. Awesome. Thank you!

You're welcome.

let us know what happens.

Isaac Alves · May 7, 2023

Randy Holmes-Farley said:
You're welcome.

let us know what happens.

pouring Mg Chloride

Stirring…

Appears very clear

magnesium it is

ptrick21186 · May 7, 2023

mbmartin06 said:
I think you could take seawater, test it, then add some of the solution. Then test again to see which level rises. Probably an easier way that should work.

+1

Randy Holmes-Farley · May 8, 2023

Isaac Alves said:
pouring Mg Chloride

Stirring…

Appears very clear

magnesium it is

Wait, you said pouring magnesium chloride (won't work in this test). Is that really what you used, or a mix of magneisum chloride and sulfate as sold for a two part? You need the sulfate part for this test.

Isaac Alves · May 8, 2023

Randy Holmes-Farley said:
Wait, you said pouring magnesium chloride (won't work in this test). Is that really what you used, or a mix of magneisum chloride and sulfate as sold for a two part? You need the sulfate part for this test.

Oh…ok. I was wondering about that and chose the Chloride over the sulfate. Can I just mix a pinch of each together? or does it need to be in the correct ratio?

Randy Holmes-Farley · May 8, 2023

Isaac Alves said:
Oh…ok. I was wondering about that and chose the Chloride over the sulfate. Can I just mix a pinch of each together? or does it need to be in the correct ratio?

Just use the magnesium sulfate in that test, if you have it.