Magnesium and Epsom Salts

I have never tested my magnesium or added magnesium but from reading this forum for a while now I have come to the conclusion that I must. Today I checked some prices at some of the LFS in my area and at around $60 - 70 AU, I've decided to buy one on line at a reasonable price but I won't receive it for a few days. Since I've never added magnesium I am assuming my level would be very low. I am having trouble keeping my KH levels up and think this is due to the low magnesium level. Also some of my corals are not doing so well. From researching a bit I've decided that Epsom Salts will be safe to use but I would like to know the best way to add it to my tank. All my other parameters are fine, I have test kits for Ammonia, ph, nitrite, nitrate, phosphate, calcium. Any advise will be welcomed.

 

I use epsom salt for my mag, but dont have to use much,since I switched to Oceanic salt--it has good mag and ca levels, When I do I just mix it with ro/di in a 1 gallon jug and pour about 1/2 cup a day into the sump and test weekly--here check out this calculator, but dose slower.
Reef Chemistry Calculator

 

Use the 3reef calculator to find out how much you need to mix based upon your current Mag levels (from the test kit) and your total tank water volume!
Stir the epsom salt into a cup of RODI water until it is dissolved, then add it right to your tank.

 

Thanks for the replies. I have just ordered my test kit and am waiting for it. Like I said, I have never added magnesium so I assume it would be low and wanted to add a bit of epsom salts to boost it a little while waiting for my test kit. Or should I just wait for the test kit before doing anything?

 

General Rule....Never add anything you cannot test for!!!!

 

If you do not have an ALK test kit, you should have one of those as well. For Ca, I use Reef Advantage Calcium. For Mg, Epsom salts. For bicarb, Reef Builder. There are other things you can do (household items and other products of course), that's just what I do.

 

Thanks PharmJohn, I do have a kit for carbonate hardness but I forgot to mention that one.

 

where do you folks get epsom salts? is there a special kind for fishies or are they all the same across the board?

 

Your local Kmart, CVS or Rite Aide will have it.

 

ok i got some epsom salt and used the calculator but how much is 27.9oz i dont have a scale. i have measuring spoons and such but no scale. any ideas