Where to get magnesium flakes

[boontonbob]

Hi - I recall a fellow reefer once recommended bumping up magnesium to help rid the tank of nuisance algae. He said magneium particle or flakes often works. Does anyone know where I could obtain them?

I thought he said home supply places carry it, but I have not seen any (I'd rather not use a hobby oriented product yet as they run much more pricey)
Thanks

 

[pgordemer]

http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/Calcium,-Alkalinity-&-Magnesium-Magnesium/c1_4/index.html

This is the same magnesium you would use to keep you counts high. Calcium is hard to keep constant with lower MAG.

 

[pnoyreefer]

Boonton - I have some I think a packet laying around. if you want it I can bring it to work ( parsippany ) thanks

 

[boontonbob]

Thanks for the link! Never ordered from them before. Looks like a good supplier.

pnoyreefer - I'll take you up on that! In fact, I'll be working from home in Boonton on Thurs., if you are available to meet up over some lunch. Let me know and we can pm the details.

Thanks

 

[pnoyreefer]

Thanks for the link! Never ordered from them before. Looks like a good supplier.

pnoyreefer - I'll take you up on that! In fact, I'll be working from home in Boonton on Thurs., if you are available to meet up over some lunch. Let me know and we can pm the details.

Thanks

Ill bring it thusday and you can come here at work. thanks

 

[Singlemalt]

How would I use the Mag Flakes to increase the levels in the tank? Is it something that most people add periodically or is it best to dose it constantly? If that's the case whats the best way to do it?

 

[blange3]

How would I use the Mag Flakes to increase the levels in the tank? Is it something that most people add periodically or is it best to dose it constantly? If that's the case whats the best way to do it?

It's best to dose when needed. In other words Lou, test your levels first and see if you need it. After a few weeks of testing, if you keep to a fairly regular routine of water changes and other dosing, you can get a feel for how much mag you are using. But in general you should test first for anything you dose.

With that said I add Mag between once and twice a month on my tanks. I use a drip line to add it slowly to a high flow area in the tank. I add 500ml at a time to my 75 gallon tank. If I need more than that I do it over several days.

Lot's of good dosing info in RC's archives HERE

You can get a mag supplement recipe HERE

And a handy calculator to figure out how much to add HERE

 

[pgordemer]

Generally it takes a LOT of MAG to bring a tank up to 1350-1450 level, but not much to keep it there.

I am a 2 part doser (No CA reactor) and I only have to add 20 OZ of MAG for every gallon of calcium that gets dosed (about 3 weeks worth)