Combine Calcium and Magnesium Dosing?

[PotatoPig]

I always struggle to remember when to do catch up dosing of Magnesium and the test is a PITA...

Would it be possible to just prepare a combined Magnesium and Calcium mix with about the right ratios of the two based on assumed consumption ratios and dose that instead?

I use Calcium Chloride and Epsom Salt for these.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I always struggle to remember when to do catch up dosing of Magnesium and the test is a PITA...

Would it be possible to just prepare a combined Magnesium and Calcium mix with about the right ratios of the two based on assumed consumption ratios and dose that instead?

I use Calcium Chloride and Epsom Salt for these.

It is possible, but making it ion balanced involves additional additives that must be put into the alk part. Sulfate is not compatible with calcium. Mag chloride is.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Or if you are using balling part C, you can put one or both mag supplements into it.

 

[PotatoPig]

It is possible, but making it ion balanced involves additional additives that must be put into the alk part. Sulfate is not compatible with calcium. Mag chloride is.

Thank you! I have some magnesium chloride also, just haven’t used it yet.

Do you need additives for Calcium Chloride + Magnesium Chloride or are these good to go together?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Thank you! I have some magnesium chloride also, just haven’t used it yet.

Do you need additives for Calcium Chloride + Magnesium Chloride or are these good to go together?

Yes, those are fine to combine. It’s just heavy on chloride then.

 

[Miami Reef]

If you want a proper two part that mixes calcium and magnesium together, you will need to follow this recipe:

For alk, it mixes sodium hydroxide and sodium sulfate.

For calcium, it mixes calcium chloride and magnesium chloride.

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/new-diy-two-part-recipes-with-higher-ph-boost.344500/
If you want a 3 part, which is more desirable for the tank, you should use this recipe:

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/diy-balling-method-recipe.1098905/

 

[RobertK]

I have the same problem as OP. I use BRS 3-part. I like it because it is easy to mix up from the 1-gallon mix packs. I dose Ca and Alk with dosing pumps but I always forget to add the Mg part and it gets done randomly, usually every 2-3 months. Can I add the BRS Mg to the BRS Ca, or would I need to switch to a different brand/method to combine Mg dosing with Ca/Alk dosing? (and BTW I did read all 15 pages of the RMM thread!) Thanks!

 

[Miami Reef]

I have the same problem as OP. I use BRS 3-part. I like it because it is easy to mix up from the 1-gallon mix packs. I dose Ca and Alk with dosing pumps but I always forget to add the Mg part and it gets done randomly, usually every 2-3 months. Can I add the BRS Mg to the BRS Ca, or would I need to switch to a different brand/method to combine Mg dosing with Ca/Alk dosing? (and BTW I did read all 15 pages of the RMM thread!) Thanks!

Sulfate (from the magnesium part) and calcium will precipitate.

Use the ESV 2 part system.

 

[p1u5h13r4m24]

As far as calcium and mag salifert test, I used to think they were a pita but now they are faster for me than Hanna checkers. I don’t have a the pill stirrer, but I’m really thinking about getting one to make them even faster. The more you do them the more simple they become, and I suggest getting to that point :)

 

[RobertK]

Sulfate (from the magnesium part) and calcium will precipitate.

Use the ESV 2 part system.

Thanks Miami Reef! I used to use ESV 2-part a long time ago before switching to BRS. So if I switch back to ESV I don't need to dose Mg? Seemed like that was unclear from the few comments about it in the RMM thread.

 

[Uncle99]

I have the same problem as OP. I use BRS 3-part. I like it because it is easy to mix up from the 1-gallon mix packs. I dose Ca and Alk with dosing pumps but I always forget to add the Mg part and it gets done randomly, usually every 2-3 months. Can I add the BRS Mg to the BRS Ca, or would I need to switch to a different brand/method to combine Mg dosing with Ca/Alk dosing? (and BTW I did read all 15 pages of the RMM thread!) Thanks!

If I use 3 parts, I dose 3 parts, then I don’t forget.

 

[Miami Reef]

Thanks Miami Reef! I used to use ESV 2-part a long time ago before switching to BRS. So if I switch back to ESV I don't need to dose Mg? Seemed like that was unclear from the few comments about it in the RMM thread.

ESV has some magnesium, but I don’t think enough to offset consumption. If you change water semi regularly, you’ll never need to test or dose Mg IMO; most salt mixes contain an excess of Mg.

 

[RobertK]

If I use 3 parts, I dose 3 parts, then I don’t forget.

Yes of course. I guess I'm trying to avoid adding a 3rd dosing pump.

 

[RobertK]

ESV has some magnesium, but I don’t think enough to offset consumption. If you change water semi regularly, you’ll never need to test or dose Mg IMO; most salt mixes contain an excess of Mg.

OK thanks again Miami!

 

[Uncle99]

Yes of course. I guess I'm trying to avoid adding a 3rd dosing pump.

I paid $88.00 for a 4 head Doser.
Been running 5 years now.
But I hear you.
I thought it might be safer.