chemaster order

[littlesilvermax]

Originally Posted by Tom R

Hi littlesilvermax

Do you have any suggestions on the quantities of Mag and Cal required to bring a 50G mix of Instant Ocean up to acceptable levels?

Tom R

I haven't measured magnesium in 3 years. I use IO only.

I add about 250 ml to 40 gallons of IO made water, I do this prior to a water change. That increases the magnesium from about 1200 to about 1380, which is closer to NSW.

I then add about 8 teaspoons of calcium to the mix to bring IO's 350 ppm to about 430 ppm.

FWIW I always add the magnesium and calcium to the water BEFORE adding the salt.

I have been doing my monthly water changes like this (w/o measuring) for years now, and my mag, alk, cal are always very good. (I assume 1380 for magnesium, but I don't check anymore, 9, 430)

I usually check the test reports on RC and here regarding levels in IO salt, and it seems to be fairly consistent. I disregard the users that test one small batch, as it is not always mixed evenly through-out the pail. I go through about $15 of magnesium a year, and I save the $37 for a test kit.

Hope that helps.

For 50 gallons that would be 310 ml of magnesium and 10 tsp of calcium.