Magnesium

[crumbletop]

What do people here use to dose Mg? Mine is dropping (1100 today), and I need to start dosing this from time to time. I dose Ca and Alk using Randy's Two-Part, but don't have the Mag-Flake or Epsom Salts to make up the Mg part. Is anyone dosing Randy's recipe for Mg, or are people using something else?

Jack

 

[cee]

You can use Epsom salt exclusively, but I wouldn't do it repeatedly. I've done it before, but never to bring it up that much. You can buy it at any drug or grocery store for cheap. I use a mixture of Epsom salt and MgCl.

Dave

 

[crumbletop]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8172599#post8172599 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by cee
...but never to bring it up that much

Lol -- thanks, Dave. Yeah, I last checked it a little more than 2 months ago. It was 1290 then -- oops. I guess I need to measure the mg more often. As a test it is one of the more PITA ones.

Anyone have any MgCl locally?

Jack

 

[c_stowers]

Jack, I just use epsom salt. Every time my Mg is low it is either because my SG is low or because I am overdue on a water change. You may want to double check your SG.

 

[crumbletop]

1.026

I measured a boatload of params today. I suppose I could recheck the mg. I do my WCs every 2 weeks and will be due this weekend. I wonder if it is because of all the SPS I have added lately (that is all starting to grow). I had been assuming that WCs would keep it up which is why (along with the tediousness of the test) I haven't been keeping track of the value.

Does the brand of epsom salt matter? Just get something that says "USP" on it?

 

[KAiNE]

I use mag flake - http://www.buckeyefieldsupply.com/showproducts.asp?Sub=124&showspecials=124

Hadnt checked it in a while till yesterday, 1185.
I also dont raise more than 100ppt in 24hrs.

 

[coral_reefer_25]

Dumb beginner questions...

1.) What's the Mg level supposed to be?
2.) Where the heck can I find a Mg test kit locally? I've looked at AC but they don't have them.

 

[KAiNE]

I usually shoot for 1300 when i am raising it. I try not to let it fall below 1200, but sometimes it does.

I buy mine at http://www.customaquatic.com/customaquatic/brandcategory.asp?brandID=SL&catID=tk
They "usually" have the best price.

 

[coral_reefer_25]

HA! Figures....the Mg test kit is on backorder.

 

[KAiNE]

Here's more nfo
http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-05/rhf/index.php

 

[KAiNE]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8185271#post8185271 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by coral_reefer_25
HA! Figures....the Mg test kit is on backorder.

Marine Depot has it but its $7 more.

 

[coral_reefer_25]

Cool, thanks!

 

[ndfootball5489]

when you use epsom salt what is the mixture use? how much per how many cups/gallons/whatever you mix it. How much epsom salt will bring up how much magnesium?

 

[KAiNE]

Heres a link for the mix
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-02/rhf/index.php

Heres a link for the dosing
http://home.comcast.net/~jdieck1/chem_calc3.html