Magnesium nitrate VS. Magnesium carbonate

max316420

max316420

Well-Known Member
Can someone explain the difference to me? Botanicare's cal mag (1.2% magnesium) is made from magnesium nitrate and General Organics Cal Mag (5% magnesium) is magnesium carbonate. Now I have tried both at a rate of 2 teaspoons per gallon and the general organics works BY FAR way better. Does anyone know why one seems to be working better then the other? Am I just not using enough of the botanicare cal mag and why is there such a percentage difference between the 2, 1.2% vs 5% P.S. I know that one is organic and one is inorganic but why such a difference? And are the both chelated?
 
elduece

elduece

Active Member
The carbonate version is microherd friendly that is eventually converted to absorbsion-plant ready form and the nitrate version is readily absorbed by roots. One is not necessarily better than the other. The GO is actually a 1% Mg to 5% Ca+ ratio not 5% Mg. If you're relying on soil food web and need a emergency quick fix use the nitrate version and just follow up with AACT at next needed hydration. I wouldn't recommend any nitrates for super soil though. Otherwise pile up on the carbonates. Teh botanicare is chelated.
 
doc111

doc111

Well-Known Member
max316420 said:
Can someone explain the difference to me? Botanicare's cal mag (1.2% magnesium) is made from magnesium nitrate and General Organics Cal Mag (5% magnesium) is magnesium carbonate. Now I have tried both at a rate of 2 teaspoons per gallon and the general organics works BY FAR way better. Does anyone know why one seems to be working better then the other? Am I just not using enough of the botanicare cal mag and why is there such a percentage difference between the 2, 1.2% vs 5% P.S. I know that one is organic and one is inorganic but why such a difference? And are the both chelated?
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The GO Cal Mag is Chelated with molasses. The iron in the Botanicare Cal Mag is chelated with EDTA. ;-)

The GO Cal Mag contains no Nitrogen and no iron, but is slightly lower in Mag and quite a bit higher in Ca.


http://www.americanagritech.com/supplements/cal-mag






Couldn't find the label for the GO Cal Mag.:cry:

http://www.generalhydroponics.com/genhydro_US/biothrive.html
 
max316420

max316420

Well-Known Member
elduece said:
The carbonate version is microherd friendly that is eventually converted to absorbsion-plant ready form and the nitrate version is readily absorbed by roots. One is not necessarily better than the other. The GO is actually a 1% Mg to 5% Ca+ ratio not 5% Mg. If you're relying on soil food web and need a emergency quick fix use the nitrate version and just follow up with AACT at next needed hydration. I wouldn't recommend any nitrates for super soil though. Otherwise pile up on the carbonates. Teh botanicare is chelated.
Click to expand...

Well I guess I was reading that wrong lol
 
elduece

elduece

Active Member
doc111 said:
The GO Cal Mag is Chelated with molasses. The iron in the Botanicare Cal Mag is chelated with EDTA. ;-)

The GO Cal Mag contains no Nitrogen and no iron, but is slightly lower in Mag and quite a bit higher in Ca.


http://www.americanagritech.com/supplements/cal-mag






Couldn't find the label for the GO Cal Mag.:cry:

http://www.generalhydroponics.com/genhydro_US/biothrive.html
Click to expand...
The GO label basically says-

0-0-0 Guaranteed analysis

Calcium = 5%
Magnesium =1%

Derived from Calcium carbonate, Magnesium carbonate

Also contains non-plant food ingredients:
10% fermented molasses
2.5% Cane sugar
 
max316420

max316420

Well-Known Member
Ive been giving seamag the last 2 feedings, but I was going light on it at 1 ts per gallon... These ladies a magnesium hogs.
 
doc111

doc111

Well-Known Member
max316420 said:
Anyone ever go beyond the 2 teaspoons per gallon amount?
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I have not and don't recommend it either. Adding too much Ca or Mg can lockout other nutrients. It's never a good idea to pile on any one nutrient. Are you giving the max recommended doseage and still are experiencing deficiencies? If so, you may have something else going on.:leaf:
 
max316420

max316420

Well-Known Member
I'm probably being inpatient, just noticed it about a week ago... probably should wait and see if it works lol This strain has given me problems in the past in promix.
 
doc111

doc111

Well-Known Member
max316420 said:
I'm probably being inpatient, just noticed it about a week ago... probably should wait and see if it works lol This strain has given me problems in the past in promix.
Click to expand...
lol! I completely understand! If you're wanting to see some more immediate results, try foliar feeding next time you see deficiencies. I recommend using the botanicare if you want to foliar feed. Not sure how readily the plant will take up the GO stuff. Not saying it won't work, I just have no experience with it. lol!:leaf:
 
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