DIY 2 part additives

[Tank14]

I am currently using B-Ionic as my two part supplement. I know there are some alternatives to B-Ionic that you can make yourself. I think it is time for me to save some money. I have heard a bunch about BRS but not sure what I should be getting, or if there is any other alternatives. Any suggestions?

 

[shawna1972]

Doing the same as you and am curious myself about brs,
will be tagging along

 

[mr.maroonsalty]

I use Arm & Hammer which I bake and turn into Soda Ash for Alk 2c per gal for Alk; I use Dow Flake 2 1/4 c per gal for Calcium. For Mag I bought BRS Magnesium Cloride because I couldn't find MagFlakes this winter and off the shelf Epson Salts (Magnesium Sulfate) I mix at a 5-3 to 1 gal ratio (I make 4 cups solution at a time) I like to use hot soda ash so it dissolves easier when mixing it with ro. You can use BRS' bulk instructions for reference.

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

link to "Randy's Recipe":

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-02/rhf/index.php

BRS can supply raw materials if needed.

 

[pascal32]

BRS also had 1 gallon jugs and nice pumps to go with them. If you are looking for a cheap drip solution check out the aqua breed 200 (http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/store...um-and-alkalinity-dripper-aqua-breed-200.html) I should have gotten two of them so I don't have to rinse them all the time. The valve is crappy, i replaced it with a cheap plastic air valve.

I use the 100ml cylinder to measure and the aquabreed to drip into the sump

 

[alphaferret]

+1 for brs and link to recipe! I have the calc and the alk from brs

I have yet to figure out or purchase mag supplements but they are next on my list.

 

[Tank14]

Thanks everyone! This will help a ton.

 

[Tank14]

Ok, so I think I got what I need for for the Alk, and CA portions. Does anyone dose the magnesium portion? I see that there is a magnesium chloride, and a magnesium sulfate. Not sure which one to get, or if I should just get some Epsom salt and use that by itself.

 

[Conesus_Kid]

Purchase magnesium chloride (Mag flake) from BRS. Magnesium sulfate=epsom salts (I buy at the grocery store or pharmacy).

Use the ratio of Mag Flake to epsom salts shown in Randy's recipe that Gary posted, and you should be all set.

 

[eugeneK]

Prestone driveway heat and baking soda
Used to use limewater but it ruins your pumps

 

[Buckeye Hydro]

We no longer carry the dowflake because of the bromide issue. We've switched to a food grade CaCl, and we still carry magflake.

Russ

 

[museumguy]

link to "Randy's Recipe":

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-02/rhf/index.php

BRS can supply raw materials if needed.

I use Randy's recipe and follow it pretty closely.

I use baked baking soda, and epsom salt that I get over the counter, and I buy Mag Chloride and Calcium Chloride that I get from BRS.

 

[talon4x4]

I bought this kit from BRS (its the smaller kit, they have the same in a large)--> http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/store...ium-and-alkalinity-total-package-small-2.html

It takes care of all 3 (calcium,alk,mag) and comes with the jugs, measuring cups and dispensing pumps for the jugs. The whole package was only $42!! It makes 3-4 gallons of the Ca & Alk and makes 1gal of Mag. Much cheaper than the b-Ionic + magnesium supplement.


I follow all the mixing instructions right on the BRS website --> http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/store/instructions/two-part-instructions