Magnesium, Epsom salt

[maroun.c]

Anyone using Epsom salt to raise magnesium?
I believe it contains some Sulphates in addition to the Mg will that have any bad effects in the tank?

 

[wildcats]

Within reasonable use, the sulfates will not buid up to a point that would cause problems. They would be diluted with each water change as well. I've never experienced any problems either.

The literature I've read says that a mix of epsom salts and magnesium chloride in equal portions approaches natural sea water.

Magnesium chloride can be tricky to find. Lots of options but the best I've found is a chemical supply house. I've used http://kyantec.com/ and got great service. I'm sure there are others.

 

[snorvich]

Magnesium chloride is better. There is some on ebay at the moment.

 

[mbbuna]

this article will explain how to use and mix the Mag supplement

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-02/rhf/index.php

 

[wildcats]

This is obviously an excellent article from a well respected person. As I read the chemical make-up of the mag-flake, it didn't appear to be only magnesium related composition.

To me, using the epsom salts and the magnesium chloride together is a better alternative. But as I mentioned, magnesium chloride is hard to get somethimes in hobbyist quantities.

Regardless of choice, you should be able to resolve your questions surrounding magnesium supplementation.

 

[toothman]

Sorry to disagree but Mg Cl is very easy to find and cheap. Just purchase Mag flake deicer about $20 for 25 lbs. If this scares you look on 2 part solution.com but I have a successful reef which I add 2-4 cups of Mg Cl weekly for 2 yrs with no problems.

 

[zacharytrimble]

I just use the epsom salt and have had no problems...but this mixing of MGCL and Epsom is new to me...I would like to try that as well.

 

[lvreefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12550612#post12550612 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by toothman
Just purchase Mag flake deicer about $20 for 25 lbs.

It kind of depends on where you live... Its hard to find local here in vegas:rollface:

 

[maroun.c]

Sorry to disagree but Mg Cl is very easy to find and cheap

While price is not the issue, my real problem is to find reef related stuff where I live. Will try to see if chemicals supply houses have some.
Thanks for the replies and the links very informative reading indeed.

 

[lvreefer]

Oops, MgCl is a better choice than epson salt because of the possible sulpher risk. If you do choose epson salt, find one that is FDA apporoved, since it will be a higher quality.