reagents....

[safeuerwehr]

ok guys, i was given some reagent grade potassium iodide and magnesium chloride they came in bags with out mixing instructions so i have no idea or how to mix or how to use these chemicals... when mixed would be these be the same type of chemicals that you would get in bottle of kent mag sulfate and concentrated iodine supplements....if anyone can help out with this lmk...

thanks

[seamonkey2]

oh Gary!! where are you??

[GaryP]

Iodine, or in this case iodide, is rarely needed if you are doing adequate water changes.

The Mag Chloride can be just added with a sppon to the sump and allowed to dissolve, added to a water change, or disssolved in top off water. Some magnesium additives are a mixture of magnesium sulfate and magnesium chloride.

[safeuerwehr]

thanks gary so how much of th mag. chloride should i dose and how often?

[GaryP]

Obviously you don't know me well. The answer to that is the same as it is for every supplement: However much your testing indicates you need to add to maintain your level. :) Seriously though, you need to get a mag test kit. 1300 ppm is a good concentration to shoot for.

1. Test the water.
2. Dose 1 Tablespoon
3. Allow to dissolve and mix.
4. Test again
5. Adjust the amount that you need to dose to get the desired concentration.

This basic method works for any additive or supplement.

[safeuerwehr]

thanks for the info gary....btw the new tank is doing great....its going through a mini cycle just like you said it would....its got the brown powder algae growning now but it going away....again thanks for the knowledge

alfred

[GaryP]

The brown powder algae is diatoms. Very normal for a new tank. It'll probably go away eventually. If not, there are a few critter that will eat it.