BulkReefSupply Dosing vs. B-Ionic

[RedEDGE2k1]

I have been buying bulk calcium, alkalinity, and magnesium from BulkReefSupply.com since you can get a year's worth of dosing supplies for $75, versus buying $25 bottles of B-Ionic once a month.

(I have a LiterMeter III for automated dosing, works like a charm and levels are rock steady)

I'm wondering if there are any side benefits of using the commercial stuff sold at the LFS, rather than mixing your own dosing supplements. I've been thinking that 10% weekly water changes will replace the "trace elements" the commercial stuff claims to also have. Am I right?

 

[reefdawg7]

Do you use a dosing pump for your magnesium? I notice it collects(precipitate) on the bottom of the bottle.

 

[will16]

I just went the other way. Switched from b-ionic to bulk reef supply. I do do 10% weekly water changes. The only thing I've notice that is different is that my ph remains a little higher while dosing with bulk reef alk. Normally I am 8.1-8.3, since switching to bulk reef, I am steady at 8.2 - 8.4. Other than that I test and dose for mg as needed.

Quick question, where do you dose? Into the return section of your sump or right into the display? I am going to set up an auto doser and was thinking about this. If you dose into your sump, would you get any kind of build up or problems with the return pump?

 

[RedEDGE2k1]

Dose into the sump, but don't let the drip line touch the sump water. I keep mine right above the water line, letting it drip 2-3" into the sump above my return pump.