What brand epsom?

Tremolo · #1 12/20/2007, 08:40 PM

I need to raise the mag in my new batch of water. I am using reef crystals and i am only getting 850 ppm. I want to use epsom salts to raise and need to know what brand is recommened and what i need to make sure i dont buy. Or are they all the same?

Thanks

Vince

demonsp · #2 12/20/2007, 09:36 PM

First , did you test the readings in the main tank? If the main tank readings are good then no need to try and raise.

bertoni · #3 12/20/2007, 10:51 PM

850 ppm from Reef Crystals sounds like a testing error, if that's freshly-mixed saltwater. I wouldn't dose anything until that's been resolved.

Tremolo · #4 12/20/2007, 10:58 PM

The last 3 times i mixed up water i was getting 850. i just got the display tank from 850 to 1200. If i keep doing water changes at 850 my display will fall to 850. I want to raise the new water to 1200 before adding it to the tank. I have had the LFS test it to make sure my test was good and they got the same thing. I am using the salifert test kit.

bertoni · #5 12/21/2007, 02:53 AM

Well, if the animals are doing well enough, I guess you're okay, but that's the lowest I've ever heard for Reef Crystals and magnesium.

Randy Holmes-Farley · #6 12/21/2007, 08:30 AM

Even if the result is accurate, I would not recommend using Epsom salts to boost magneisum from 800 to 1300 ppm. That will raise sulfate way too much (about 2000 ppm or 75%), if nothing else. I also do not know if it is adequately free of other impurities to use for such a bog boost.

This article has more:

Do-It-Yourself Magnesium Supplements for the Reef Aquarium
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-07/rhf/index.php