Help: Magnesium precipitation ???

NVTE · 01/05/2010, 12:29 AM

I mixed 7 1/4 cup of Magflake and 3/4 cup of Espom salt to make total 1 gallon of Magnesium. They are precipitated. They look milky right now. Should I wait couple hour or day before adding to my tank or can start dosing?
Thanks.

Russter · 01/05/2010, 01:45 AM

According to Randy Holmes-Farley:

"Note that combining the two materials in solution can result in some precipitation of calcium sulfate (calcium and sulfate are impurities in the MAG flake and the Epsom salts, respectively. To assure yourself that the two materials have fully dissolved, dissolve each separately in some freshwater before combining them. Some calcium sulfate precipitation is acceptable, and it is okay to let the solids get into the aquarium, assuming you can dose in a way that prevents them from landing on delicate organisms."

NVTE · 01/05/2010, 10:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Russter

According to Randy Holmes-Farley:

"Note that combining the two materials in solution can result in some precipitation of calcium sulfate (calcium and sulfate are impurities in the MAG flake and the Epsom salts, respectively. To assure yourself that the two materials have fully dissolved, dissolve each separately in some freshwater before combining them. Some calcium sulfate precipitation is acceptable, and it is okay to let the solids get into the aquarium, assuming you can dose in a way that prevents them from landing on delicate organisms."

Yes, I read it, did like his instruction. I got really milky those. After 12 hours, I saw 3 layer in my bottle. the top and bottom layer are milky and the middle part is clear.
This is my first time mixing it. I use Tech M from Kent, which is clear, that is why I want to make sure the mix is right before I add to my tank.
thanks Russter

Orr2003 · 01/05/2010, 10:34 AM

I have always mixed both Magflake or Magpellets and epsom salt in the same container to make one gallon of mix. This mix is kinda cloudy after everything dissolves but I have never had a problem adding the cloudy mixture. And I usually add the whole gallon of mix at one time to my 400g system. It usually buffers my mag from 1300/1350 to 1450/1500. I add it to my sump in a high flow area.

leshnign · 01/05/2010, 10:44 AM

I just mixed up a new gal of Mg last night. It's always a milky white color, reguardless of mixing seperatly or in the same container. The calcium sulfate will usually settle to the bottom of the jug by morning, and the solution will be clear until you shake it up before use. It's not a problem when adding to the tank because your putting it in a high flow area anyway. NO WORRIES

NVTE · 01/05/2010, 12:12 PM

thanks guys. It comforts me.
I usually dose right into my return pump section.

01/05/2010, 12:29 AM	#1
NVTE Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: S.Cali Posts: 3,386	Help: Magnesium precipitation ??? I mixed 7 1/4 cup of Magflake and 3/4 cup of Espom salt to make total 1 gallon of Magnesium. They are precipitated. They look milky right now. Should I wait couple hour or day before adding to my tank or can start dosing? Thanks. __________________ Daniel All T5 club member.

01/05/2010, 10:34 AM	#4
Orr2003 Registered Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: WV Posts: 787	I have always mixed both Magflake or Magpellets and epsom salt in the same container to make one gallon of mix. This mix is kinda cloudy after everything dissolves but I have never had a problem adding the cloudy mixture. And I usually add the whole gallon of mix at one time to my 400g system. It usually buffers my mag from 1300/1350 to 1450/1500. I add it to my sump in a high flow area. __________________ If you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice Current Tank Info: 400g SPS Envision Acrylics (72"X48"X27"), 100g sump, 4- 400W 20K Radiums, Schuran Jetstream 2 CaCO2 Reactor, Royal-Exclusiv Alpha Vertex 300 Kone Skimmer, 3-Tunze 6100's, Dart CL/ OM 4 Way with Revolutions, Last edited by Orr2003; 01/05/2010 at 10:50 AM.

01/05/2010, 10:44 AM	#5
leshnign Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: West Chester, Pa Posts: 186	I just mixed up a new gal of Mg last night. It's always a milky white color, reguardless of mixing seperatly or in the same container. The calcium sulfate will usually settle to the bottom of the jug by morning, and the solution will be clear until you shake it up before use. It's not a problem when adding to the tank because your putting it in a high flow area anyway. NO WORRIES __________________ After watching an episode of Walker Texas Ranger, France surrendered to Chuck Norris just to be safe!! Current Tank Info: 58g oceanic r/r, 30g sump, 80lbs live rock, (2)ice cap 250w de/mh 20k Elos Spectra, deltec ap600 skimmer, mag 7 return, D/A reefkeeper II controller, 30g cube,w/ zoos, rics. (1) G.Smithii, (1) N.Wennerae, (1)O.Scyllarus

01/05/2010, 12:12 PM	#6
NVTE Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: S.Cali Posts: 3,386	thanks guys. It comforts me. I usually dose right into my return pump section. __________________ Daniel All T5 club member.

01/05/2010, 01:45 AM	#2
Russter Northern Reefer Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada Posts: 568	According to Randy Holmes-Farley: "Note that combining the two materials in solution can result in some precipitation of calcium sulfate (calcium and sulfate are impurities in the MAG flake and the Epsom salts, respectively. To assure yourself that the two materials have fully dissolved, dissolve each separately in some freshwater before combining them. Some calcium sulfate precipitation is acceptable, and it is okay to let the solids get into the aquarium, assuming you can dose in a way that prevents them from landing on delicate organisms."