Who's running dolomite in their CaRx?

[swannyson7]

I'm about to set up a new calcium reactor and was wondering who has added dolomite to their media to maintain magnesium levels? The most common dosing I've seen is about a 1:10 ratio of dolomite to reactor media. Is this what you're using and does it effectively maintain mag levels, or do you still need to supplement with a magnesium additive?

 

[chadfarmer]

i run it but have to suppliment my water change water

 

[Russellaqua]

I haven't tried it, but dolomite contains both calcium and magnesium in a 1:1 ratio. Geologically speaking, dolomite is generally a more stable mineral than calcite/aragonite/vaterite (all 3 are calcium carbonate, something called polymorphs.) This means that likely less will dissolve in your reactor per proportion of other reactor media. Maybe the 1:10 ratio evens the playing field, or it may just be that that is how fast Mg is consumed in the tank. Not sure on that one. Like chadfarmer said above, if your salt isn't up to snuff on Mg levels, you'll have to supplement it to prevent a sudden drop in Mg levels during water changes, and then the reactor should keep up. I'm tagging along on this too because I'm interested in hearing how well it works.

 

[harlequinreefer]

I'm tagging along too Scott, interested in Rowalith C+ and NeoMag first hand views.

 

[Acroholic]

I've always wondered how much of our Mag dosing is to keep up with deficits in the salt mixes we use, and how much is because of use by corals and any other organisms? If we are using coral skeleton based media, then mag should be released in the proper ratios it was taken up when the media was coral skeleton, so I'd think a properly tuned calcium reactor should provide enough magnesium for coral growth, and supplemental mag dosing is for salt mix deficits.

 

[ronnie]

I run Neo-Mag (brightwell product) in my reactor. About 15% total volume. Seems to do a pretty good job, but I do need to adjust every few months. If my reactor were bigger, it would probably be a perfect mix.

 

[VegasRick]

I haven't used it but keep meaning to pick some up to try out. Mg only makes up a small percent of coral skeletons. If I remember correctly its less than 1. So don't expect much of a boost from it. Many reports from users I read said dolomite doesn't dissolve well. There is ZeoMag and it seems like Kent also made one and possible someone else makes a product with Mg.

 

[swannyson7]

Bump! Anyone else using dolomite in their reactors?

 

[Reef UP]

My zeomag keeps my mag spot on I love the set and forget stuff lol

 

[swannyson7]

My zeomag keeps my mag spot on I love the set and forget stuff lol

What ratio do you run in relationship to the other media in your Rx?

 

[Reef UP]

1&3/4 cups to 9cup and I have a heavy sps load I would recommend starting with 1:9 though and add by a 1/4cup until it keeps your levels at your desired level