What is the practical difference in using NaCl salt vs. MgCl salt to keep dust down in arena? The mag suggested rate for 75x150 arena is 2-4 pallets (2-4 tons!). I have never put that much regular salt down, but if I did, how would the effect be different?!
^^^ read post #4
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And I still would like to know the difference… I KNOW people use mag flakes, I KNOW people use regular salt. Which is cheaper? Which is better? Which is safer?
Mag chloride is way less corrosive than sodium chloride, so if you like your tractor or metal drag I’d stick with it. I used 20 of the 40lb bags in my 64’ x 130’ indoor and then added 20 more about 6 months later. so yes, quite a lot.
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In the land of knowledge and opinions, I’m surprised there are so few. After all, none of us want to breathe dust! Something must be getting done about it all around the country. Anyone else willing to chime in?
What do you mean? I imagine more people aren’t responding because you already got good answers. Mag chloride is better because it is less corrosive. I don’t think price is the driving factor there, but your cost will vary. For example, a friend got a road crew to spray her arena with Calcium Chloride, because that 's how they apply it to gravel roads. I know she switched over to mag chloride a few years later. The cal was too corrosive, even if she could get it cheaper.
I never thought corrosion was the biggest factor. I only drive in my arena less then weekly, guess I was expecting more comments on efectivenss, safety, price. Thanks for your input!
With corrosive issues comes extra dry hooves. I should have mentioned that too. The mag chloride is a little easier on the feet, although any salt will have some drying effect.
Is the difference in drying hooves significant?! Is it an issue for most barefoot horses working on treated surface or rare individuals?
This was probably 10 years ago that I was at the barn that had sprayed Calcium chloride. I just remember we started rinsing off legs and feet after rides (luckily there was a heated wash stall). Don’t have do that with the mag. Some horses were barefoot and some shod (dressage barn). I can’t really remember how long that continued, etc. anymore.
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Disposing of the footing once it’s spent is also an issue with NaCl contamination. Sodium chloride is toxic to vegetation and aquatic life.
Melula: Is NaCl more problematic then MgCl or is it a problem with all salts?
As far as drying effects on hoof/ corrosion etc. can someone comment on NaCL vs. MgCl, please. I do not have access to CaCl, so it is not part of my list, although I do appreciate the info!
