Algae Posted October 1, 2009 Share Posted October 1, 2009 Time to get some more magnesium. I'd like to mix it up with ro/di water and dose the liquid. Do I need BOTH magnesium chloride and magnesium sulfate. If I buy from Bulk Reef the cost (non group buy) is about $100 shipped for 30 lbs. of magnesium chloride (no sulfate). If I buy Seachem Magnesium (with choride and sulfate), I can but 2- 4kg. (17.5 lbs) pails for about $65, shipped. The question is: What is the advantage of mixing sufate and chloride? Disadvantage? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reef165 Posted October 1, 2009 Share Posted October 1, 2009 Dose the stuff you get look like rock salt? I got a 10 lb bag of magnesium stuff, was told it was from waves so maybe Joel could say what it is. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Algae Posted October 1, 2009 Author Share Posted October 1, 2009 Yeah, both the Seachem and BRS are crystals. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grassi Posted October 1, 2009 Share Posted October 1, 2009 kinda out of topic... but, what Mg test do you use? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reef165 Posted October 1, 2009 Share Posted October 1, 2009 I use the salifert. In fact most all my test kits are salifert except my PH and its tetra. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Algae Posted October 1, 2009 Author Share Posted October 1, 2009 Because of some of the comparison tests that I have seen have rated Salifert as one of the most accurate, I use Salfert for magnesium. Since you don't use it that often it isn't too spendy in the long run. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ryan Posted October 1, 2009 Share Posted October 1, 2009 I use this from BRS: http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/Calcium,-Alkalinity-&-Magnesium-Two-Part-Calcium-and-Alkalinity/c1_51/p493/Replacement-Magnesium-pack-(Full-Gallon)/product_info.html Its a mix of magnesium Chloride & Sulfate and is pre-messured to make exactly 1 gallon. Its only $10. There is NO reason for you to buy 30lbs of magnesium. Thats a lifetimes worth! BTW: I like the Elos mag test MUCH better then the Salifert. Im not a fan of Salifert, I got one of their bad CA tests, so I pretty much lost faith in them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grassi Posted October 1, 2009 Share Posted October 1, 2009 with that crazy Euro salifert is spendy. On some online shops they don't put a price until you submit the order :-( I'm gonna get some when I'll go home next november ;-) Thanks for the advices Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reef165 Posted October 1, 2009 Share Posted October 1, 2009 How many ounces of the magnesium is in the one gallon mix? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nyles Posted October 1, 2009 Share Posted October 1, 2009 Algae I have some if you want to talk me out of it, I will have to check and see how much I have, I'm thinking 1/3-1/2 of a 5 gallon bucket. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wanareef Posted October 1, 2009 Share Posted October 1, 2009 Nyles if Algae doesn't take, I'll take it off your hands. Will be heading your way anyway on Sunday, going to 7 Feathers. lmk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nyles Posted October 1, 2009 Share Posted October 1, 2009 I just did a new Buffet for them down there, open for dinner only, have to check it out! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Algae Posted October 1, 2009 Author Share Posted October 1, 2009 Nyles, Yes, I'd like the magnesium. Wanareef if, you come on bye I'll give you a couple of frags. Then again, after the win at 7 Feathers you could likely buy out a lfs. Still not sure of the chloride & sulfate combination? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wanareef Posted October 1, 2009 Share Posted October 1, 2009 Can't pass up frags - thanks for the "positive" vibe there. I'll need it. I'll give you a call when we come past you on the way back. (clap) (clap) Nyles - What was your work for them? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nyles Posted October 1, 2009 Share Posted October 1, 2009 We designed and provided all equipment in the kitchen and the buffet Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
undrtkr_00 Posted October 7, 2009 Share Posted October 7, 2009 Still not sure of the chloride & sulfate combination? My understanding of the chloride/sulfate issue is: Mag sulfate is epsom salts. You can find it fairly cheap, but have the potential of adding too much sulfate to your system if you use very much. Mag chloride is used for de-icing driveways, etc. Generally more expensive but not as easy to overdose your tank with (chloride, not sulfate). I read that if you also add other chloride additives (calcium chloride) and do a lot of dosing, it is possible to get a buildup of chlorides in your system, but it is not common. Some people use a combination of the two in order to create a better ion balance, or to reduce the total cost of adding mag. A good discussion of the matter here: http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-07/rhf/index.php Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
undrtkr_00 Posted October 7, 2009 Share Posted October 7, 2009 There is NO reason for you to buy 30lbs of magnesium. Thats a lifetimes worth! Some of us go through LOTS of magnesium. I picked up 6 lbs from BRS early this year and it was gone in about 5 months. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.