Epsom Salt for Magnesium.

[darren neil]

Can we use Epsom Salt to raise Magnesium in our tanks? Reef magnesium by Seachem the Ingredients are Magnesium Sulfate 80mg.
Sodium Chloride. Epson Salt the Ingredients are Magnesium Sulfate USP (Heptahydrate) 100%............... Saline Laxative. I have heard of people useing it but I wanted to ask before I put something in my tank that Im not to sure about.

 

[jason sartain]

I have used it from time to time.You just have to be careful not to raise the Mg too quickly.

 

[grouper therapy]

The main concern is the build up of sulfate in the system but if you are regular with water changes then using is usually not an issue.

 

[darren neil]

Ok thanks. I do 15 to 20 gallon water change ever two weeks. on a 120 gallon tank with a 55 gallon sump is that enough for a water change?

 

[schwaggs]

I wouldn't use it by itself or you will get your ionic balance out of whack over time even with water changes. Get some Mag Chloride from Bulk Reef Supply to go with it.

 

[grouper therapy]

Schwaggs;439098 wrote: I wouldn't use it by itself or you will get your ionic balance out of whack over time even with water changes. Get some Mag Chloride from Bulk Reef Supply to go with it.

Agreed by far the best route to take.

 

[casper75]

After talking to the guy from sea chem the only difference in epson salt and the mag, is epson salt is food grade and there is lab grade. I used epson salt for years before I took my tanks down with no problem at all

 

[acroholic]

Epsom Salts (mag sulfate) is fine for short term use, but like it was said, in the long run for NSW ionic balance just get some BRS magnesium chloride, and follow the guide for Randy's 2 part solution off Reef Central.
Dave

 

[schwaggs]

Several experts do not suggest using Epsom Salts alone for boosting Mag. Take a look at this article from Randy. http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-07/rhf/index.php">http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-07/rhf/index.php</a>

In it he says "It's also possible to determine the effect on sulfate from one-time boosts to magnesium using Epsom salts. Epsom salts actually contain about four times as much sulfate as magnesium, so boosting magnesium gives an even larger boost to sulfate. Table 5 shows the effect on sulfate of several different increases in the magnesium level. From that table, it is clear that boosting magnesium by 100 ppm or more using Epsom salts has a substantial effect on the sulfate level. I therefore do not recommend using this method to boost magnesium by more than about 50-100 ppm. Every subsequent addition will compound the effect, although water changes will serve to reduce it over time."

He indicates that 30% monthly water changes are required to mitigate the boost in Sulfate from using Epsom Salts.

 

[darren neil]

IamRit;439204 wrote: I've been using Epson salt for a long time. I switched over to 2 parts about 2 months ago. The only regret I have is not switching over sooner. Certain corals seem to be happier.

Rit What two part are you useing if you don't mine me asking? Thanks Darren

 

[darren neil]

IamRit;439246 wrote: Darren, I bought and fallow instruction on BRS. Works pretty well. If you are using just the Epson salt now, you should some see some difference in certain corals that you have.

Im useing Reef advantage Magnesium by Seachem. I tested my mag and I came up with 1200. I hate checking my mag its always hard to get a good reading on what I feel is right. Im down to a 1/4 of a bottle of reef mag and have like three bags of Epsom salt laying around. So I was going to use it if it was ok but I will just order some of the right stuff.

 

[grouper therapy]

IamRit;439204 wrote: I've been using Epson salt for a long time. I switched over to 2 parts about 2 months ago. The only regret I have is not switching over sooner. Certain corals seem to be happier.

I don't believe you Rit. I think you should post some pics to validate your statement! lol

 

[acroholic]

Darren,
Here is the recipe for the 2 part you are asking about. Note that the mag flake referred to is magnesium chloride. This mixture keeps the ionic ratios like NSW (Normal Sea Water).

The link for the online supplements calculator is valuable tool. Bookmark it.

Link for the article this is taken from:

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-07/rhf/index.php">http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-07/rhf/index.php</a>

Link for RC Archives water chemistry articles. These are a great water chemistry knowledge foundation for any reefer:

[IMG]http://archive.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=102605">http://archive.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=102605</a>

&gt;
3. Using both Epsom salts and [IMG]http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-07/rhf/index.php#1">MAG flake</a>, dissolve 7¼ cups [IMG]http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-07/rhf/index.php#1">MAG flake</a> and ¾ cup Epsom salts in one gallon of water, and use that to supplement magnesium in amounts determined using this [IMG]http://home.comcast.net/~jdieck1/chem_calc3.html">linked online calculator</a>, with the entry "Randy's Recipes 1 and 2 Versions A and B," and ignore for this purpose what those designations mean. This recipe is preferred, but its advantage over recipe #2 is minimal in most cases.
&gt;