DIY Magnesium

I'm trying to find where I can buy magnesium sulfate or magnesium chloride to use instead of spending money on ESV, Tropic Marin and Kent Marine. I want between a 1 lb. to 5 lb. bucket of either type of magnesium but I can't find a place to buy from except on eBay. Has anyone used a DIY magnesium salt? I know I don't want to use rock salt since there is a possibility of having phosphates, ammonia and nitrate in the rock salt mix. Which magnesium supplement is better the chloride or the sulfate?

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Is this not the same stuff?? Epsom Salt

 

Epsom salt is indeed Magnesium sulphate. However, it's a good idea to maintain the proper balance of sulphides and chlorides so using Epsom salts for 100% of your Mg supplementation would lead to an imbalance.

I wish I could help you. St. Louis has several chemical companies and several pharmaceutical companies and I have friends at each who are able to supply me. I would give up on the internet and look at your local Yellow Pages and figure out if you have any of the above companies near you and then figure out if you have friends at either.

 

Go to Ace hardware and order Ice Melt, Safe Step Ultra Mag. UPC code is 7100324. Here is the link to the MSDS http://ace.infotrac.net/msdsimages/imc vigoro/safe step ultra mag 50 lb.pdf
Epson salts will build up sulfate in your tank. Mag Chloride will not.
Good luck,
David

 

so should you use an equal amount of mag chloride/sulphate? Or can you get away with just using the mag chloride?

 

The balance is for Alkalinity Calcium and Magnesium. Magnesium should be about 1250 ppm. Calcium should be 420 to 500 and Alkalinity should be between 7 and 11 dkh.

 

i got that part. i was wondering if i should go out and get both the mag chloride and mag sulphate and mix the two 50/50or should i just get the mag chloride?

 

Bulk Magnesium
They are even a 3reef sponsor.

 

^^^well that is pretty sweet. thanks otty

 

Two Part Solution, Discount Calcium and Alkalinity Supplies

A 3reef Sponsor also

Jim