Tis the season... MAG Flake in VA?

[sam75]

Anyone seen any MAG Flake the Springfield, VA area? I know I can get it from Harvey Salt up in MD, but I was hoping to find it close by.

 

Thanks!

Seth

[L8 2 RISE]

sorry for my ignorance, but what is this?

[sam75]

sorry for my ignorance, but what is this?

 

 

 

It's used to melt snow, but can also be used to raise magnesium levels in the aquarium. (Typically used when dosing 2 part)

 

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

 

Edited November 19, 2008 by sam75

[DaveS]

So I was at the Sterling Costco last weekend wandering for 3 hours while they put new tires on my car (I swear I spend 5x the tire savings on other stuff there). Anyways, look what I saw:

 

 

I got a 50# bag. "Sure we need this much honey, didn't you hear about that big snow storm coming..."

[reefhunter]

you are sure that is the right stuff to put in your tank... if so I am going to go get some! I have been getting it shipped by bulk reef supply and man do i dump alot of it in the tank.

[DaveS]

you are sure that is the right stuff to put in your tank... if so I am going to go get some! I have been getting it shipped by bulk reef supply and man do i dump alot of it in the tank.

 

 

DISCLAIMER: I'm not Randy Homles-Farley and I haven't gotten around to putting this stuff in my tank yet so I can't guarantee for sure it won't kill my fish. However:

 

1) the crystals look the same as the stuff I got from Bulk Reef Supply

2) The contents of the bag clearly state it's MgCl2 -6H20 and nothing else.

3) http://www.3reef.com/forums/i-made/diy-mag...html#post375846 - The UPC is different than the one specified but that doesn't surprise me based on how Costco repackages things

4) The CAS number on the bag is the same as in the MSDS sheet mentioned in #3.

5) http://www.nasalt.com/products/icemelters/...epproseries.htm - Among the different lines of products made by the manufacturer, only one is listed as just MgCl. The description for that says: "Safe for people, vegetation and pets"

 

All in all, I'm satisfied that it's safe and I plan to add it to my tank. If someone knows for sure otherwise, please let us know!!

[zoozilla]

All in all, I'm satisfied that it's safe and I plan to add it to my tank. If someone knows for sure otherwise, please let us know!!

 

Have only used MAGFlake. Wouldn't mind trying this if your results end up favorable. Tagging along.

[Origami]

You may want to read this article: http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-02/rhf/index.php

 

It's somewhat dated regarding the use of DowFlake for calcium chloride (lots manufactured after Lot V in 2006 have increased levels of bromine) but it's still good for magnesium chloride.

 

In the article, the author (Randy Holmes-Farley) states, "at this time magnesium chloride hexahydrate from the Dead Sea Works [the manufacturer of MagFlakes and Mag Pellets] is the only such product that I recommend, but others may be acceptable. Choosing other unknown brands may be fine, or not. I've not tested them for purity."

 

If available, Mag (flakes or pellets) from the Dead Sea Works (flip over the bag and see where the stuff comes from) is preferred.