AquaLife Simple Science Magnesium Chloride Hexahydrate


Before initiating a program of calcium and alkalinity supplementation, it is crucial to adjust the magnesium concentration of the aquarium to approximate the natural seawater concentration of 1280 ppm. Otherwise, unwanted chemical precipitation of calcium carbonate may occur.

Preparing Solutions: Dissolve this product and magnesium sulfate separately in a small amount of water before combining. To prepare a solution equivalent to the AquaLife Ion-Balance Magnesium liquid supplement, dissolve 2 dry household measuring cups MINUS one tablespoon of Magnesium Chloride Hexahydrate and 3 tablespoons of Magnesium Sulfate Heptahydrate in a TOTAL of one liter (33.8 fl. oz.) of water. To prepare one gallon of supplement dissolve 7 1/3 dry household measuring cups (3 ? lb.) of Magnesium Chloride Hexahydrate and ? dry household measuring cup (7 oz.) of Magnesium Sulfate Heptahydrate in a TOTAL of one gallon of water, preferably RO or de-ionized water. Do not add dry powder directly to the aquarium. Always dissolve in a small amount of water first. Follow the instructions below for determining how to dose the prepared solution.

NOTE: When mixing solutions, place the dry products in two separate containers. Add about half the final volume of water to the magnesium chloride and about one fourth the final volume of water to the magnesium sulfate. Stir each solution well until the products are completely dissolved and the solutions are clear. It may take up to 5 minutes for complete dissolution at room temperature. Combine the clear solutions in a large container, and then add water to the desired final volume.

When all of the dry salts are dissolved in a total of one gallon of water, the resulting volume of solution will be approximately 20% more than one gallon. Mix the solutions in a two-gallon bucket and transfer to storage jugs with a funnel.

When prepared as directed, the magnesium solution will contain 55000 ppm of magnesium. Each ml added per gallon will increase the magnesium concentration by 14.47 ppm while maintaining the ratio of chloride and sulfate found in natural seawater. (NSW = 7.1:1). Like the other components of the AquaLife Simple Science product line, our magnesium chloride hexahydrate is a high-purity product.

Dosing instructions for prepared solution:
1. Measure the magnesium concentration of the aquarium.
2. Decide how much you wish to change the magnesium concentration. For example, if the test result is 1200 ppm and you want to reach a target concentration of 1390 ppm, the amount of change is 190 ppm.
3. Multiply the amount of change by the number of net gallons in the aquarium system.
4. Multiply the result from step three by 0.07. The result is the number of milliliters of
supplement required to reach the desired concentration.

To convert milliliters to:
• teaspoons, divide by 5.
• tablespoons, divide by 15.
• fluid ounces, divide by 30.
• cups, divide by 240.
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