Magnesium

[truth954]

What are you using for Magnesium (Dow Flake?) and if you can explain the benefits of it? Anything helps

Thanks
Gerald

 

[chrisaggie]

I use Mag Flake (magnesium chloride). Benefits are that it keep the magnesium up (1200-1400ppm). Low magnesium can slow the calcification process.

 

[truth954]

Chris, where can i purchase Mag Flake? locally or on line?

 

[chrisaggie]

I bought it in a club group buy a while back. I don't think you can buy the stuff locally. You'll have to look around online.

 

[Rogger Castells]

Gerard, Check this site, It is pretty cheap

http://www.twopartsolution.com/

 

[dadummy]

stupid question,

can mag flake be used by itself?

dripping limewater

what's the benefit of the two part. Isn't calcium hydroxide more useful than calcium chloride

thanks for the help

 

[jeffbrig]

The use of kalkwasser is severely limited by pH rise it creates, and your tank's evaporation rate. Basically, even saturated limewater has a fairly small amount of Ca and Alk in it. A 2-part method with calcium chloride and baking/washing soda can deliver significantly more Ca and Alk if kalkwasser can't keep up with your tank's demands.

Mag flake can be used to supplement magnesium regardless of which method you use for dosing Ca/Alk. You can use it straight, but if you don't do regular water changes, sulfate and chloride levels can go astray. A combination of mag flake and epsom salts can be used to better maintain sulfate and chloride levels. Randy describes all of this in his article on improved 2-part solutions.

 

[dadummy]

looks like I have some reading to do.

thanks

 

[Rogger Castells]

Here is the link to the article Jeff mentioned

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

 

[Snarkys]

here is one for just doseing mag : )
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-07/rhf/index.php

 

[dadummy]

you guys are the best!

makes much more sense,

thanks