Can I Mix Two Different Salts?

[horseplay]

I current use IO and very happy with the performance in general and the parameters are quite stable from batch to batch. I use a 29 gal tank to mix and it usually last two weeks with about 5g left in the mixing tank then I fill up the tank and mix the next batch.

IO has the following parameters after mixing: ALK 11, Calcium 390 and Mag 1200.

Although this is quite stable the Calcium and Mag levels are just a tad lower than what my desired levels. Bringing these levels up could be quite expensive in the long run (I use BRS chemicals). Although cheaper solutions do exist I have never used them and a little hesitate to experiment.

RC has these levels according to what I read on the web: Calcium 490 and Mag 1400.

If I mix the two salt 50/50 it will be the desired level. So the question is can I mix the two salts? Also, RC contains organics (according to the web) will my current mixing process (with some leftover from previous batch) work with RC?

 

[saltkreep88]

The answer is yes to both your questions, it will work just fine. But it would be cheaper to bump those numbers up with baking soda and driveway heat. I would do some research, it is perfectly safe and your dosage would stay the same.

 

[saltkreep88]

Edit. Driveway heat is for calcium. For mag, most use mag flake.

 

[horseplay]

Driveway heat is easy to find. Mag flake is not. There is a guy on ebay selling it but he's asking $48 for 20lbs.

A quick calculation using BRS Mg Sulfate + Mg Chloride. It costs $1.5 to raise Mg by 200ppm for 20g of water.

Mixing the salts: $4 for IO and $5 for RC for 20g. So mixing 50/50 it would cost $4.5, a $0.5 increase.

Unless I can find Mag flakes for cheaper the cheapest option is to mix the salts.

 

[saltkreep88]

Sounds like you have this all worked out. Mixing salts is completely safe.

 

[redfishbluefish]

I use to use RC only and switched to IO. In the process, I was mixing the two....and not problems at all. I'm now all IO......because I like my alk low.