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Is anyone using Epsom salt to add magnesium to his planted tank? I don't currently have a magnesium test kit, but I assume my softener takes out nearly all the magnesium (and calcium for that matter) that would be in the tap water, so the only source is Flourish. How would I calculate how much to add?
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There are questions in questions here.
First you need to determine what your GH is after water treatment.
Then you need to restore your GH to 3-4 dGH using a GH Booster like Equilibrium. That will restore your Calcium and also add magnesium.
The calcium is crucial, the magnesium just needs to be non limiting. The recommended (by planted tank folks) level of Mg is 10 ppm. That would be 1 tsp. of Epsom Salts per 20 gallons twice a week. You can dose CaSo4 and Epsom salts in a 4:1 ratio but the GH Booster is easier. I am not aware of any evidence that says a modest overdose say 50-100ppm of Mg will hurt you.
Also I'm sure that you are aware that a water softening units exchange Sodium Na for the Calcium. This IMO makes frequent and large water changes necessary.
Jay
