epsom salt/magnesium

Hello all,

In case you didn't know, epsom salt is a form of magnesium and very cheap. Is it appropriate for aquarium use to increase magnesium? I am optimistic, but need the counsel of those of you who are much wiser than myself. All opinions welcome.


Thanks,

Jim

 

Depending on the purity, possibly.

The other thing to consider is that magnesium works best as a solution of magnesium sulfate (epsom salt) and magnesium chloride, to provide a NSW balance between the free ions.

Here's an article about supplements. I posted it already scrolled to the part where it describes those ions.

 

it can increase sulfate though. people do still use it.


the basic advise is if you don't dose often for the water volume it's ok.

 

5 parts Mag Chloride to 3 parts Epsom Salt should give you a pretty close to Ocean Salt Water ratio of Magnesium. Dosing just Mag Chloride or just Epsom Salt is not a good idea as it upsets the ionic balance of your system.

 

Reeron is correct, its only half of the recipe.

 

+1 @ AZ and Reeron

 

agreed with above.

you can do it for a little while, but long term, you need both parts of the mix.

 

sweet guys thanks for the info, where to buy the mag chloride?

 

Bulk Aquarium Supplies - Reef Aquarium Supplies | BulkReefSupply.com

 

I get everything but the Epsom salts at Bulk Reef too. It comes in nice 1 gallon DIY kits with the jugs and everything.