Pro's and cons' to using Epson Salts

[mmkeeper]

Are there any reason not to use epsons Salt instead of Mg for By Kent or other brands?

 

[steve-s]

As long as your doing small adjustments and not on too regular a basis, doing regular water changes, there is no real downside to using Epsom salts. Large additions will create a sulfate imbalance in a largely chloride dominated ecosystem.

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/oct2003/chem.htm

 

[jezzeaepi]

Magflake is a better source if you can find it locally. Check out this link:
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-02/rhf/index.php#18

Towards the bottom they have a comparrison of what would be different for a tank over the course of a year of using the magflake vs the epsom salt. As Steve said, the epsom creates a sulfate imbalance but its usually not enough to effect a system that employs regular frequent water changes.

 

[DonW]

If you have alot of asian markets its worth it to pick up natural Nagari. It works very well and is very cheap. Do not buy synthetic at safeway.

Don

 

[scytale]

If you have alot of asian markets its worth it to pick up natural Nagari.

Nagari = mg salt??

I've been to quite a few asian markets but never seen that before!
(though I'm usually not in there to buy things for my tank--except for Nori and tobiko of course!)

I found this picture of Nagari on-line, looks like a liquid--is that what you use?

 

[steve-s]

Nagarie, Nigari or Nigara flakes = MgCl. MgCl is the preferred product when needed.

 

[DonW]

Its used to make Tofu. I pass 20 or so markets on my way home from work so its easy to get in my neck of the woods.

Don