Max Espom dose per gallon per day?

[ScottT1980]

I am experimenting with increasing magnessium levels using epsoms. I don't want to overdose as to screw up ionic imbalance and add too much SO4. Can anyone reccommend a max dose (in grams, teaspoons, whatever) per gallon per day in water that is at a sp. grav. of 1.025.

Thanks
Scott T.

 

[NaH2O]

Scott - have you checked out this new calculator? It includes Magnesium supplementation, of which you can choose Epsom salt as a product. Hope it helps!

Reef Chemistry Calculator

 

[steve-s]

Be sure not to rely soley on MgSO4 for large corrections in the levels. It can also significantly raise the sulfate levels at the same time depending on the total addition made. Once in awhile small corrections are fine, large corrections should use a proper MgCl or you can <<make your own>>

Cheers
Steve

 

[ScottT1980]

Scott - have you checked out this new calculator? It includes Magnesium supplementation, of which you can choose Epsom salt as a product. Hope it helps!

Reef Chemistry Calculator

Yeah, Nikki, I had seen that and to be honest, that is what prompted the question, only because it alluded to the fact that a bolus of epsom should not be added at once.

THe SO4 was my concern, so I suppose the MgCl will be what is needed. I guess my next question (and I suppose I could find the answer if I read some of the advanced aquarist literature) would be the impact of MgCl addition on Alk. Any affect here (I am thinking in terms of CaCl addition decreasing Alk levels, but I don't know if that is due to the Ca+ or the Cl-).

Thanks again
Scott T.

 

[steve-s]

How do you normally suppliment alk and Ca? Two part additives or kalk?

The biggest concern is precipitating the alk I believe. If using a two part, add the buffer part in the early AM, then the MgCl several hours later and finally the Ca several hours after that. If using Kalk, add the MgCl in the late afternoon. It will help prevent the formation of carbonate magnesium which is usually the main concern.

Boomer?

Cheers
Steve

 

[mojoreef]

Scott Steve is right on the epsons. Bringing Mag up is a real bear, I went through it myself. I would suggest water changing your way back to normal. Maybe some of the oceanic, its mag levels are pretty high



mike

 

[steve-s]

Kent salt is also a good option.

Cheers
Steve

 

[ScottT1980]

Hmmm...perhaps oceanic, even with its ALK problems, is more feasible than IO in my situation...

Its always a matter of picking your poison...

Many thanks guys!

Take er easy
Scott T.