B-Ionic

[FishGuy5]

Randy:

Hope this is not a "dumb" question, but how do you add the Dowflake to the salt mix to raise the calcium level of the salt mix? Is it as simple as when I make salt water for a water change, do I test the new water and directly add the Dowflake into it until the waters' CA level is correct? I currently use Reef Crystals and assumed that all the levels were good in the salt.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

I add the water, then the solid salt, stir to dissolve, add the solid magnesium, stir briefly, then add the solid calcium, and stir more.

I personally do not test but rely on Instant Ocean to look like it always does, and I boost it by 70 ppm calcium, not by measurement, but by calculated dose.

Reef Crystals is likely fine as is.

 

[WLachnit]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13678510#post13678510 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Randy Holmes-Farley
Oh, yes, it is perfectly fine for that initial salt mix use, but not necessarily the daily two part use.

I'm a little confused. I thought DOW flake was what is uesed in the DIY 2-part ?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Yes, it was. Several years after I analyzed Dowflake and I published the DIY recipe, Dow change the impurity profile. Several companies now sell what they consider suitable replacements, such as Bulk Reef Supply and Buckeye Field Supply.

Using the new Dowflake may be OK, or not. I'd consider it experimental, as we really do not know what, if any detrimental effects elevated bromide may have.

 

[WLachnit]

Ok, Thanks. I was unaware of that. I started using CaCl2 from a pool supply house a couple of months ago since DOW flake doesn't exist in sunny California. But, I guesss I should go back and see if I can find an MSDS or product insert which might list impurities.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

It won't list bromide, I expect. Even the new Dowflake does not. That's a drawback of using MSDS for impurity info.

 

[bebereef]

So i should not dose kalk with my 2 parts?
I have a few smal montis, few LPS and some softies.





You should also not be adding pH buffers or other alkalinity supplements, although I have no reason to assume you are.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

It is fine to dose limewater at the same time as a two part, if you want. It is not unbalanced the way buffers alone are.

 

[bebereef]

Thank's Randy, as you know, you are so appreciated!

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13750922#post13750922 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Randy Holmes-Farley
It is fine to dose limewater at the same time as a two part, if you want. It is not unbalanced the way buffers alone are.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

You're welcome.

Happy reefing.

 

[WLachnit]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13750164#post13750164 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Randy Holmes-Farley
It won't list bromide, I expect. Even the new Dowflake does not. That's a drawback of using MSDS for impurity info.

Yeah, having generated MSDSs for reagents myself in the past, I know that a list of ingredients is not required. I did look and could not find detailed info for swimming pool CaCl2. I do know that reefers here in California do use it, but have no idea how safe it is medium to long term. Makes me think that I should probably play it safe and order from BulkReefSupply.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

That might be a good idea. Buckeye Field Supply is another option.

 

[WLachnit]

Randy, thx

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

:thumbsup:

Happy reefing.