Ca/Mg/Alk levels

[mike31154]

Thanks for the detailed clarification Myka. I was aware of the Epsom Salt sulfate issue in the long term. Currently my tank is not considered a high demand system for this supplement. I also understand that with regular water changes, the sulfate problem may be kept in check. In any case, I'll not be dosing the Epsom salts again until I get a test kit for magnesium.... and I'll definitely check out the Sea Chem product.

[Myka]

You're welcome. If I remember correctly the smallest jar of the Seachem Reef Advantage Magnesium costs about $8 or 9, and it lasts quite a long time as magnesium isn't used up very quickly, and most salts have adequate levels, so most people need to only dose very little if they do regular waterchanges. Oh, and you should never, ever, ever (did I say never?) dose for something unless you test for it.

[digital-audiophile]

Calcium Chloride, Baked Baking Powder and epsom salts. I have each mixed with RO/DI in old pop bottles and add a bit once a week during the water change.

Cheap and effective.

[pterfloth]

I use the DIY two part additives detailed in this link. It is very inexpensive and effective. I found commercial preparations very expensive to use.

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-02/rhf/index.php

This link helps determine how much of these additives to use, based on tank volume. Select Randy's Recipe as your additive.

http://home.comcast.net/~jdieck1/chemcalc.html

Hope this helps!