Anyone use Randy's 3 part?

[CaliforniaDreamer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7015418#post7015418 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by mn95616
Hey John,

How soon do you anticipate on making the group purchase? I guess I am a little desparate for Mag Flake and Dow Flake. I may just order another bottle of EVS Mg B-Ionic or go purchase some Epson salt. Any good place to order Epson Salt in large quantity? I saw Walmart have small boxes of salt - but nothing large.

Thanks
Minh

I have talked to a local company this morning about getting it but they haven't call back yet with pricing. It looks like they carry it. Do you know if Tech grade is good enough or should we be using USP grade? I have asked for prices for both, but it looks like Randy was specifying Tech grade. I'll let you know prices and availability as soon as I hear.

 

[thereefgeek]

I thought the Mg (epsom) was listed as USP grade in that old article I linked.

Epsom Salts sold in drug stores is generally labeled USP, which stands for United States Pharmacopoeia, and is an assurance that it is suitable for consumption by people.

I'd assume that means for consumption in a reef tank also.

 

[CaliforniaDreamer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7015580#post7015580 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by thereefgeek
I thought the Mg (epsom) was listed as USP grade in that old article I linked.



I'd assume that means for consumption in a reef tank also.

You are quite right Rich; however to the best of my knowledge DowFlake and MagFlake are Tech grade chemicals. My concern is that Randy was able to test and a lot of people have used those products. If what the local supplier has available are re-bagged or re-branded Tech grade MgCl2 and CaCl2 will we know if it is appropriate for reef tanks?

 

[Mr. Ugly]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7015418#post7015418 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by mn95616
Any good place to order Epson Salt in large quantity? I saw Walmart have small boxes of salt - but nothing large.

Thanks
Minh

Minh,

I got some 6lb bags from Walgreens last week. On sale for $3 each. I've gotten 4lb boxes from Safeway before too.

 

[Reefugee]

That Norman. I will stop by Walgreen and pick some up. I guess I will dose my tank with Epson salt until we can do a group buy on the Mag Flake. Thanks again.

Minh

 

[H20Sidhe]

I am also interested in the mag flake, and if I need to get dow flake to be in on the group buy, then I'll do that too. Let me know please.
Thanks,

Sherie

 

[CaliforniaDreamer]

Hi guys and gals, my plan is to try to find a good source for MgCl2 and CaCl2. If and when I do I (unless someone else wants to do it) will start a new thread for the group buy. I would prefer to get DowFlake and MagFlake as it is what Randy used in his formulas and seems the safest to use. Based on the response for the group buy thread I will buy and repackage the Magnesium and Calcium chlorides into the sizes everyone wants (5 or 10 pound portions). As I mentioned before I have contacted a local source but still haven't heard back as to pricing and availability. I will call them tomorrow if I don't hear back by sometime in the morning. If they canââ"šÂ¬Ã¢"žÂ¢t supply our needs I will contact some of the suppliers that Randy lists in his article and do internet searches. I will also contact the companies in the links already in this thread. If anyone else knows of a good source please let me know (post in this thread). I am not trying to find a source for sodium bicarbonate (I use arm and hammer) or for Epsom salt (readily available locally in small quantities). I would appreciate any comments as to how to proceed or advice on my attempt at my first group buy.

Thanks John

 

[Reefugee]

John,

I checked with Ace Hardware in Davis. They were unable to find it. They suggested that I check with an Ace Hardware in Reno. Called a Reno store and they could get it either.

Minh

 

[JahReefster]

John, I'm in. Your idea sounds good to me; thanks for taking the lead on this. From what I can see on line Minh's source seems to be the best we can do. Rather a pity: the cost iseems to be not for the actual product itself, but the shipping because of all the weight involved (about a 1:4 ratio if I recall correctly).

 

[CaliforniaDreamer]

Ok I heard back from a local source (kind of they are in the bay area but have a West Sac warehouse) and they can supply DowFlake for $17 per 50lb bag + tax, however they don't have MagFlake nor another bulk MgCl2. The company is called UniVar (I got the info from Robert -RasBobre- some time ago). There is some hassle getting it because I have to set up an account with them and deal with the bay area office but the price is very good and it looks doable. I will continue the search for MagFlake and let you know what I find out.