What’s in my jug?

[Isaac Alves]

I have a 1 gallon BRS jug filled with a clear liquid. It’s either Calcium Chloride or it’s my magnesium mix. I stupidly did not label it.

I’m sure the answer is obvious but can I simply use the corresponding Salifert kit to test if it’s a Magnesium or Calcium solution?

What should the resulting readings be? I’m using the Randy’s Higher pH recipe mixtures.

 

[mbmartin06]

I think you could take seawater, test it, then add some of the solution. Then test again to see which level rises. Probably an easier way that should work.

 

[Isaac Alves]

I think you could take seawater, test it, then add some of the solution. Then test again to see which level rises. Probably an easier way that should work.

Smart. I’ll try this.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

If you have more of the dry magnesium mix, then assuming this is the BRS mix (my DIY), then you can add a bit to a sample of the liquid. If it goes cloudy (calcium sulfate forming), it is the calcium. If it stays clear, it is the magnesium.

 

[Isaac Alves]

If you have more of the dry magnesium mix, then assuming this is the BRS mix (my DIY), then you can add a bit to a sample of the liquid. If it goes cloudy (calcium sulfate forming), it is the calcium. If it stays clear, it is the magnesium.

That’s even easier. Awesome. Thank you!

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

That’s even easier. Awesome. Thank you!

You're welcome.

let us know what happens.

 

[Isaac Alves]

You're welcome.

let us know what happens.

pouring Mg Chloride

Stirring…

Appears very clear

magnesium it is

 

[ptrick21186]

I think you could take seawater, test it, then add some of the solution. Then test again to see which level rises. Probably an easier way that should work.

+1

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

pouring Mg Chloride

View attachment 3139866

Stirring…

View attachment 3139867

Appears very clear

View attachment 3139868

magnesium it is

Wait, you said pouring magnesium chloride (won't work in this test). Is that really what you used, or a mix of magneisum chloride and sulfate as sold for a two part? You need the sulfate part for this test.

 

[Isaac Alves]

Wait, you said pouring magnesium chloride (won't work in this test). Is that really what you used, or a mix of magneisum chloride and sulfate as sold for a two part? You need the sulfate part for this test.

Oh…ok. I was wondering about that and chose the Chloride over the sulfate. Can I just mix a pinch of each together? or does it need to be in the correct ratio?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Oh…ok. I was wondering about that and chose the Chloride over the sulfate. Can I just mix a pinch of each together? or does it need to be in the correct ratio?

Just use the magnesium sulfate in that test, if you have it.

 

[Isaac Alves]

Just use the magnesium sulfate in that test, if you have it.

Will do. Thank you

 

[Isaac Alves]

Ok…

poured a bit of liquid into small testing container

Got my Mg Sulfate…

uhhhh…did not go clear when I plopped it in. It went cloudy…

Calcium?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

That is my expectation, yes.