[APD] Ca/Mg ratios

["Rachel Sandage" <rachelsor at hotmail_com>]

The GH in my water is naturally <.5 dGH. I am using CaCO3 and MgSO4 to raise 
the GH to 5.

1. What is the recommended ratio of Ca to Mg?

2. Is it correct to say that if I have 1 degree of GH =from Ca. and 1 from 
Mg, that I have a total GH of 2?

2. I found in a posting on the Krib from Paul Sears on 7/7/98 containing 
this info:
1 GH is 0.179 x 40 ppm Ca++  = 7.2 ppm Ca++
1 GH is 0.179 x 24 ppm Mg++  = 4.3 ppm Mg++
(for the whole posting, see http://www.thekrib.com/Plants/CO2/units.html)

Using Chuck Gadd's calculator, I calculate that 1 tablespoon of MgSO4 adds 
7.06 ppm Mg, which is close enough to 7.2 for my taste, given the 
uncertainty of the amount of water in the tank.

I also know that 1 tsp CaCO3 in 26g will raise the GH 1 degree, so 2.25t 
will raise it approximately 1 degree in my tank.

So once I know the ratio of Ca:Mg, I should be able to figure out how much 
of each to add to my fishtank for the plants to  be in GH nirvana, yes?

I am changing the water in my tank RIGHT NOW, so quick response would be 
great!

Thanks,
Rachel

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