B ionic vs. BRS 2 part. Which and why?
- Thread starter kenc87
- Start date
Mekanic
Member
Same boat on the pumps, I normally buy everything used, but there is no depreciation in dosing pumps, so I've decided when I get one I'm going to get the BM unit, less hassle, no external timers, 1 plug, and not much more than 3 separate pumps and 3 timers.
MattinIdaho
New member
If I could get it for $12 a gallon I would use the B Ionic hands down.
Bionic is easier but not cheaper.
Kalk can be dosed at a preset amount approximating top off with a peristaltic dosing pump avoiding the uncertainty of evaporation variations. Any shortfall vs evaporation cn simply be made up with small amounts of ro water.
I dose 18 liters of it per day spread in 150 increments over a 24 hour period . That amount just about does it for top off for the 600 gallons in my system. During high evaporation months ,I'll add a liter or two of ro to the sump.
Kalk can be dosed at a preset amount approximating top off with a peristaltic dosing pump avoiding the uncertainty of evaporation variations. Any shortfall vs evaporation cn simply be made up with small amounts of ro water.
I dose 18 liters of it per day spread in 150 increments over a 24 hour period . That amount just about does it for top off for the 600 gallons in my system. During high evaporation months ,I'll add a liter or two of ro to the sump.
I use BRS myself, having long since stopped paying the high price of ESV. But no-one has mentioned the extraordinary PITA it is to mix the bulk chemicals BRS supplies!
Thank goodness I've only got a nano, 'cuz if I had to do all that shaking and mixing cr*p much more often, I'd be looking for alternatives for sure.
Thank goodness I've only got a nano, 'cuz if I had to do all that shaking and mixing cr*p much more often, I'd be looking for alternatives for sure.
csauer52
New member
That is ridiculous. My LFS sells combined gallon jugs for $32.00. Both parts for $32.00 and this lasts me 3 months so just over $10/month.
I use BRS myself, having long since stopped paying the high price of ESV. But no-one has mentioned the extraordinary PITA it is to mix the bulk chemicals BRS supplies!
Thank goodness I've only got a nano, 'cuz if I had to do all that shaking and mixing cr*p much more often, I'd be looking for alternatives for sure.
What problems do you have with mixing it? I mix fairly often and can do a gallon in 3-4 minutes. I use empty gallon vinegar jugs, fill 3/4 with RODI water, add powder using a measuring cup and funnel, shake for 30 seconds or a minute, then top off with RODI.
First, I should have specified that I'm using BRS recipe one. So if you're using recipe two, that's different stuff...
Anyway, I can't recall if it is the Calcium Chloride or the Soda Ash (Sodium Bicarbonate) that is so hard to mix. But I think it is the latter. One of them mixes just as you suggest. I pretty much do the same thing you do DHyslop. But the other one (sorry I can't recall which) does not have the proverbial snowball's chance of dissolving in 30 seconds of shaking. And not in 5 minutes either. I have taken to using my wife's mixer - filling the bowl, turning it on, and walking away for half an hour. 30 seconds shaking? No way for this stuff.
Also, I use ESV salt. So these comments are not coming from someone who's adverse to mixing. But this stuff is a PITA.
For recipe one, calcium usually dissolves easier so if you're having trouble with one of them it's probably alkalinity.
Are you using the right amount? Last time I looked the BRS instructions said two cups for alk and two-and-a-half for calcium. If you're adding two-and-a-half of alkalinity you might be supersaturating the solution.
Another thing that might help is a different shape mixing container. While I don't have trouble with traditional shape jugs, I've found that a rectangular container (made for keeping Kool-Aid in a fridge with a little dispenser on the front) mixes much more thoroughly even in a short time.
Are you using the right amount? Last time I looked the BRS instructions said two cups for alk and two-and-a-half for calcium. If you're adding two-and-a-half of alkalinity you might be supersaturating the solution.
Another thing that might help is a different shape mixing container. While I don't have trouble with traditional shape jugs, I've found that a rectangular container (made for keeping Kool-Aid in a fridge with a little dispenser on the front) mixes much more thoroughly even in a short time.
Since the OP is not worried about mixing, I'll certainly not belabor the point here. Happy to PM about it though.
TheReefKeeper
Aquaholic
B-Ionic for me tried everything else over the years always back to the proven!!
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