using epsom salt
- Thread starter pohtr
- Start date
notsonoob
Member
Isn't Epsom salt ok for a SWF tank?
I know it is good for a foot sprain....hehe
Seems that it is recommended on web pages.
Details I found:
Compounding the issue is the simple fact that there is so much magnesium in an aquarium that significant supplementation requires a great deal of material. A 100-gallon aquarium contains about a pound of magnesium! In order to raise that same aquarium by 200 ppm of magnesium, one would need to add on the order of 2 pounds of dry magnesium salts!
Epsom Salts (USP grade magnesium sulfate heptahydrate) is readily available in drug stores and very inexpensive. The problem is that if you were to raise magnesium by a large amount (or a small amount several times) the aquarium water will become relatively enriched in sulfate. This enrichment may not be a problem for some aquaria, especially those using salt mixes already deficient in sulfate,15 or those that experience frequent water changes. Bingman21 has addressed these enrichment issues and has suggested a recipe for home made supplements based on Epsom Salts and magnesium chloride. The problem is in getting the latter in adequate purity.
I know it is good for a foot sprain....hehe
Seems that it is recommended on web pages.
Details I found:
Compounding the issue is the simple fact that there is so much magnesium in an aquarium that significant supplementation requires a great deal of material. A 100-gallon aquarium contains about a pound of magnesium! In order to raise that same aquarium by 200 ppm of magnesium, one would need to add on the order of 2 pounds of dry magnesium salts!
Epsom Salts (USP grade magnesium sulfate heptahydrate) is readily available in drug stores and very inexpensive. The problem is that if you were to raise magnesium by a large amount (or a small amount several times) the aquarium water will become relatively enriched in sulfate. This enrichment may not be a problem for some aquaria, especially those using salt mixes already deficient in sulfate,15 or those that experience frequent water changes. Bingman21 has addressed these enrichment issues and has suggested a recipe for home made supplements based on Epsom Salts and magnesium chloride. The problem is in getting the latter in adequate purity.
pohtr
Member
Wow, that's confusing. If adding epsom salts will raise the sulfate level do I have to get yet another test for sulfate? I swear I spent about 2 hours today testing the swa water. sigh.
The chemical calaculator is calling for adding about 23 oz over 2 days. It looks like about 3 cups or so (of epsom salt). Looks like a lot of salt. Or is epsom salt not really salt at all??
The chemical calaculator is calling for adding about 23 oz over 2 days. It looks like about 3 cups or so (of epsom salt). Looks like a lot of salt. Or is epsom salt not really salt at all??
notsonoob
Member
Magnesium sulfate (or sulphate) is a chemical compound containing magnesium and sulfate, with the formula MgSO4. It is often encountered as the heptahydrate, MgSO4·7H2O, commonly called Epsom salts. Anhydrous magnesium sulfate is used as a drying agent. Since the anhydrous form is hygroscopic (readily absorbs water from the air) and therefore harder to weigh accurately, the hydrate is often preferred when preparing solutions, for example in medical preparations. Epsom salts have traditionally been used as a component of bath salts.
Another question. You have a water softener?
Another question. You have a water softener?
notsonoob
Member
You can use it, but you just have to be careful.
The reason why I asked about the water softener is because it takes magnesium ions out of the water to help soften the water. I'm thinking that people that have calcium issues with their tanks, probably run soft water and not having calcium and magnesium supplimented.
The reason why I asked about the water softener is because it takes magnesium ions out of the water to help soften the water. I'm thinking that people that have calcium issues with their tanks, probably run soft water and not having calcium and magnesium supplimented.
