DIY Balanced Magnesium Supplement - Page 3

Randy Holmes-Farley · #51 10/04/2004, 10:36 AM

Those are the only two ingredients?

If so, then you are correct to be concerned, and I'd look for another product, like that from ESV:

http://www.esvco.com/prod10.html

dpfenny · #52 10/04/2004, 06:04 PM

Just returned from the LFS where I bought the Reef Advantage. The labels on the containers in the new shipment match what you posted from Seachem. My label must be from a slightly older batch. I just bought it on Friday! The new label is identical, but does not show ingredients. Who knows?

Randy Holmes-Farley · #53 10/04/2004, 08:21 PM

I hope they changed the recipe and not just the label.

All adding sodium chloride does is replace the missing chloride problem with an excess sodium problem. Neither solution (Epsom salts or Epsom salts plus sodium chloride) is balanced.

Hobster · #54 10/05/2004, 03:24 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by dpfenny
Just returned from the LFS where I bought the Reef Advantage. The labels on the containers in the new shipment match what you posted from Seachem. My label must be from a slightly older batch. I just bought it on Friday! The new label is identical, but does not show ingredients. Who knows?

The label states exactly what Randy posted as on their web site. It does not list ingredients such as a food label. Only that Mg is 8% In very fine print it states to the effect: if you want information on the contents to write them. I have sent several e -mails to SeaChem on other products and they are very helpful.

dpfenny · #55 10/05/2004, 03:32 PM

I have one that does list ingredients. Listed above.

Hobster · #56 10/05/2004, 05:17 PM

What size container? I have 2- 1kg bottles purchased within the last 6 mths. You have me wondering now

I think I will send a memo to SeaChem.

Randy, are you still planning on a DIY ice melt/Mg supplement this winter?

dpfenny · #57 10/05/2004, 05:30 PM

It is the 300g container. I have 2 with the ingredients listed, one full, one empty.

Hobster · #58 10/05/2004, 05:46 PM

I just sent an E Mail to SeaChem Support. Will post their reply when I hear back from them.

Randy Holmes-Farley · #59 10/05/2004, 08:10 PM

Randy, are you still planning on a DIY ice melt/Mg supplement this winter?

No. I don't have a cheaper source than products such as B-ionic Magnesium.

Hobster · #60 10/06/2004, 11:23 AM

Recieved 2 replies from SeaChem:

It is a blend of magnesium sulfate and sodium chloride. The sodium
chloride is added to minimize disruption of the natural
sulfate/chloride ratios found in saltwater. We would have preferred
to use magnesium chloride, however it is so hygroscopic the product
would have been a soupy mess! It also carries with it trace amounts
of ammonia (a by product of the industrial separation process).

With regards to the label that is a result of various state
agricultural agency requirements not being able to agree on how we
should list our ingredients! The label with the ingredients listed is
the most recent version and hopefully we will not have to change it
again at the whim of some state agency, causing further confusion for
our customers and added cost to us. Let me know if you have any more
questions.

Hobster · #61 10/06/2004, 11:25 AM

forgot to add this one also:

We use magnesium sulfate however the product is
blended with other chloride salts as well in order to maintain the
proper chloride:sulfate ratio found in sea water, the net result
being that adding Reef Advantage Magnesium long term will not
significantly impact the anion ratios.

Randy Holmes-Farley · #62 10/06/2004, 11:49 AM

Thanks.

the net result
being that adding Reef Advantage Magnesium long term will not
significantly impact the anion ratios.

Just the cation ratios.

Bryan · #63 10/14/2004, 04:33 AM

Randy:

What as the pharmacy today and came across a solution called anhydrous magnesium citrate. if I recall correctly it had a magnesium concentration of 15g/300ml. Is this a possible alternative than milk of magnesia. Was a couple dollars per bottle.

Randy Holmes-Farley · #64 10/14/2004, 07:47 AM

One could use that (after acidification), but one problem is that all that citrate will add a big oxygen demand and could actually be irritating to organisms.

I don't know the bottle size, but let's say it is about $2 for 15 grams of magnesium.

ESV's product is $10 for 32 ounces of 3.6% magnesium by weight. That is about $4.50 for that same 15 g of magneisum. Probably not a big enough cost savings to warrant the trouble and concerns.

http://www.esvco.com/prod10.html

Hobster · #65 10/14/2004, 11:31 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Randy Holmes-Farley
One could use that, but one problem is that all that citrate will add a big oxygen demand and could actually be irritating to organisms.

I don't know the bottle size, but let's say it is about $2 for 15 grams of magnesium.

ESV's product is $10 for 32 ounces of 3.6% magnesium by weight. That is about $4.50 for that same 15 g of magneisum. Probably not a big enough cost savings to warrant the trouble and concerns.

http://www.esvco.com/prod10.html

Your cost savings can be even better. The prices at the above link for ESV of $10 for 32 oz and $22.65 for 1 gal plus shipping are much higher then other sites selling the same product. It is $8.00 for 32 oz and $18 for 1 gal plus shipping elsewhere.