Our mission

Magnesium Sulfate v. Magnesium Chloride?

99sf

99sf

Guest
BARcard
I have been using expensive B-Ionic gallons to dose for calcium & alkalinity. Am thinking about changing to the Bulk Reef Supply mix-it-yourself two part kit, especially since I can't get the Coralife calcium reactor pump to work. The "total package" starter kit contains these chemicals:
# 1 gallon of Calcium (7lbs)
# 1 gallon of Alkalinity (7lbs)
# 1 gallon of Magnesium Chloride (6lbs)
# 1 gallon of Magnesium Sulfate (8lbs)
Reef cemistry question: is there a difference in the effect of magnesium chloride and magnesium sulfate on corals?
 
You will get a build up with one so you use both. They'll give you mixing instructions.
 
So there is a positive effect when they are combined instead of used individually? I was just about to edit my post, after reading a bit further on the BRS website.
 
Mag sulfate is Epsom salt. It's dirt cheap. Chloride is a little more expensive. Sulfates build up when using Epsom salt, I don't want to say more as it's late and I am not thinking right (few glasses of wine) :) sorry :lol:
 
The idea is to mix them up so the proportions of sulfate and chloride match up with NSW levels, that way neither the chloride or sulfate levels get out of balance. I used epsom salt for years without issue, I do blend now though.
 
From last I spoke with Karson on the subject, he was planning on getting it (I have the elemental analysis sheets on the product he was looking at), but he had to order a huge quantity and has it in a holding pattern. This is as of...maybe a month ago.
 
I did end up ordering the 2-part + mag kit from Bulk Reef Supply. Will be interesting to see which ratio the mixing instructions recommend.
 
It's on the site: http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/store/video?file_name=35

for use with a two part they recommend 5:3 chloride:sulfate
for use with all other methods use 7.25:.75 chloride:sulfate
 
I have been pouring almost a gallon of mag with the 5:3 chloride:sulfate mixing for the last several months without the two parts (I use Cal/kalk reactors), and did not realize that I am using the wrong formula until recently. I guess this means I have too much sulfate in my tank. How do I figure out if I have too much sulfate and how much? Or maybe I just take my usual easy way out, pour in another gallon of mag chloride without any epson salt to balance it out a little and have peace with myself. Do you think this will be a problem?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top