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Can I Mix Two Different Salts?

horseplay

NJRC Member
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?
 
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.
 

horseplay

NJRC Member
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.
 

redfishbluefish

Officer Emeritus
Officer Emeritus
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.
 
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