How quickly to add CaCl / MgCl?

[Rook]

Randy,

My parameters are way off, with the likely senerio:

Ca, 215
Alk, 11 DKH
Mg, 900
~ 180 gallons



I know I need to add Calcium and Mg. The calculator shows that I need to add 369.4 grams of CaCl2 (anhydrous) and 2272 grams of MgCl2; to get to the desired levels. So, a lot is needed.

How quickly can these without seeing negative effects with a "rapid" change?

Also, for getting to balance, I can use CaCl2 for calcium and for magnesium should I just use 100% MgCl2 or 90% MgCl2 with 10% MgSO4?

Thanks

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

I'd boost them by a max of about 100 ppm per day.

I'd use 90% MgCl2 with 10% MgSO4 if you have them.

 

[Rook]

Thanks. Another couple quick questions.

I got some MgCl2.6H2O from Home Depot. I forget the name brand (not the name brand with MAG on the left front, but it does say "environmentally safe" and safe for livestock feed, so I figure I'd give a try. What's your gut feeling, Okay?

Next, is MgCl2 supposed to be a slight brownish color when mixed? Should I let it settle to a clear liquid prior to dosing?

Next, I did not find MgSO4 on my first attempt, so I impatiently added two cups of 100% mgCl2 solution, after letting it settle for twenty minutes. When I added to the sump, I dumped it into the filter sock where the overflow exits, and the water reacted. Sort of like it was boiling water with larger bubbles, but just for maybe ten, fifteen seconds then it was fine. What was that?

Thanks again.

 

[Rook]

Am I figuring this right? To increase 100 ppm calcium in 180 gallons of water; I'd need to add like 15.5 cups of part one CaCl2 solution?

To raise 100 ppm Magnesium I'd need roughly 6 cups of the MgCl2/MgSO4 solution?

I got this from the calculator you have, so I assume its right, but thought I should check before I add that much.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

I got some MgCl2.6H2O from Home Depot. I forget the name brand (not the name brand with MAG on the left front, but it does say "environmentally safe" and safe for livestock feed, so I figure I'd give a try. What's your gut feeling, Okay?


I think it is a risk, but it may be OK. Start extra slow with an unknown brand. Maybe only 10 ppm per day for a few days.

Next, is MgCl2 supposed to be a slight brownish color when mixed? Should I let it settle to a clear liquid prior to dosing?


What does the solid look like? The MAG Flake is pure white in solid form.

When I added to the sump, I dumped it into the filter sock where the overflow exits, and the water reacted. Sort of like it was boiling water with larger bubbles, but just for maybe ten, fifteen seconds then it was fine. What was that?


Not sure. The extra high salinity may have forced gases (O2,N2, etc) out of solution.

Yes, it takes a lot of any additive to boost the magnesium concentration.

 

[Rook]

The solid flake is pure white. But, when mixed it has a light brownish color to it. It appears, visually, as it may have a bit of iron oxide in it, but who knows. I assume then that the MAG flake mixes clear?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

I don't recall exactly how clear it gets (anyone recall?), but allowing it to settle and not dosing the solids would be a good plan.