dosing magnesium chloride and magnesium sulfate r.r. DIY question

[ddc0715]

so I have read randys info on DIY mg mixes I have both magnesium chloride and magnesium sulfate on hand. according to the info.

3. A certain mixture of magnesium chloride and magnesium sulfate has no net effect on seawater's major anions (chloride and sulfate)......
"This recipe is preferred, but its advantage over recipe #2 is minimal in most cases."

im, not a chem person so i do not understand this statement? recipe 2 in the article is only (magnesium chloride) and if there are no net effects, why mix the two under recipe #3?

thanks

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

The two magnesium recipes differ in the amounts of chloride and sulfate added to the tank.

They are different because one of them is intended to use with calcium chloride-based calcium additives that itself adds a huge amount of chloride. it tries to get to a natural ratio of chloride to sulfate added to the tank when accounting for this other additive.

The other recipe is intended to add the chloride and sulfate in the same ratio that is naturally present in seawater, so its not trying to correct for other additives.

 

[ddc0715]

OK that makes cents. lol recipe 3 it is then. so is this still accurate using brs Pharma Magnesium Chloride (instead of MAG FLAKE) and Epson salt ?

Using both Epsom salts and MAG flake, dissolve 7¼ cups MAG flake and ¾ cup Epsom salts in one gallon of water,

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Yes, mag flake and BRS mag chloride are treated the same (there may be a fluffiness difference, but its the same chemical).