help with cheap mag and kalk

[seagirl]

I currently use seachem reef kalkwasser to maintain my ca and alk. I want to switch to something cheaper. Will the calcium hydroxide from two part solution.com be the same thing? Will i need to change the ratio of kalk i add to the top off water? Here's the link-

http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/Calciu...1_3/index.html

I also need a cheaper mg supplement, the Tech-M is killing my reef budget. I was looking at the same site and they have mag. chloride flakes and mag sulfate. Can someone please explain to me how i can use these to replace my Tech-m supplementation? Thanks.

http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/Calciu...1_4/index.html

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

The calcium hydroxide is the same chemical, although I do not know what purity they are selling. Ask them if it is food grade. If so, it is OK.

I also do not know the purity of the magnesium compound they are selling. It is probably MAG flake, which is OK, but confirm that with them.

[seagirl]

the page i linked to says they sell mag. chloride flakes and mag sulfate. I am assuming thr MAG flakes you say is ok is the MAG chloride flakes? Do i not need the MAG sulfate? How do i use the MAG flake once i get it?

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Yes, MAG flakes or MAG flakes plus a little magnesium sulfate (Epsom Salts).

i discuss recipes here:

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

[seagirl]

Thanks. after reading your article i think the mag flakes only recipe wil be the first i try. so if i read your directions correctly i need to dissolve 8 cups magnesium chloride flakes in one gallon of water, and use that to supplement magnesium no more than 100 parts per day untill my level is correct, and then with normal water changes i should be able to keep my MAG up with just little supplementation. Is that correct?

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Yes, that's correct.

Good luck.

[seagirl]

thanks for the help, have a great day

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

[David Grigor]

The Kalkwasser twopart ( now bulkreefsupply ) sells is made Mississippi Lime Company and is food grade. I bought a whole 50# bag from them thus it wasn't repackaged yet.

[seagirl]

Originally posted by David Grigor
The Kalkwasser twopart ( now bulkreefsupply ) sells is made Mississippi Lime Company and is food grade. I bought a whole 50# bag from them thus it wasn't repackaged yet.

great, thanks

[atvdave]

Originally posted by seagirl
I currently use seachem reef kalkwasser to maintain my ca and alk. I want to switch to something cheaper. Will the calcium hydroxide from two part solution.com be the same thing? Will i need to change the ratio of kalk i add to the top off water?

Mrs. Wages Pickling Lime, WatMart

Same Ratio as the other's.