Interesting Magnesium Observation

[Myka]

Originally Posted by Snappy

Magnesium dosing should contain a balance of chloride & sulfate so epsom salts alone doesn't cut it.

Are you saying that a 50/50 mix of SeaChem and Epsom salts (or Kent Tech M) would be ideal for general reef supplementation? (Not including hair algae issues)



calkrog: Ya, I was following that thread when it was first made. I should go see what else they've discovered. Thanks for the link. The amount of Epsom salts that I have introduced to my tank has made a big difference in the amount of hair algae even within a few days. It's been a week now. Once I get the baby Bangers out of there my poor reef will be back to normal - without hair algae! It hasn't had hair algae since it first cycled, and even then it was just a tad. It's a GHA forest now!

[littlesilvermax]

I think that a 8:1 or 9:1 ratio (depending on salt used) is about the correct ratio of Magnesium Chloride:Magnesium Sulfate.

FWIW I can make whatever ratio you want, it is a lot cheaper then Seachem Magnesium.

[Myka]

Originally Posted by littlesilvermax

I think that a 8:1 or 9:1 ratio (depending on salt used) is about the correct ratio of Magnesium Chloride:Magnesium Sulfate.

FWIW I can make whatever ratio you want, it is a lot cheaper then Seachem Magnesium.

Thanks for the info. I'm really going to have to take a look into this. Honestly, I don't use much for suppliments, so cost isn't an issue.

[EmilyB]

Supplements.

[saltysurfer]

Is it possible to maintain a tank without adding to many chemicals?

[EmilyB]

Yes, water changes.

[Myka]

Originally Posted by EmilyB

Yes, water changes.

That's what I do! I just fluff up the levels of my waterchange water so they're a bit high, and then when I do a waterchange the tank is all evened out.

Oh, don't do that at home kids!

[Doug]

Or do water changes with IO salt and include the correct amount of calcium & magnesium as per Ben,s instructions. {which as he said, is from RHF}/

I purchase my IO at a decent price and my supplements from Ben at a good price, making my water change still cheap enough and keeps my calcium up. My magnesium stays at app. 1350ppm without any other additives, esp. whats mixed in with the water change.