Dosing 2 part

[TimTen]

Hi Everyone,
I was using a 2 part on my nano cube, but now I'm moving everything into a 65 gal with a sump. I really can't afford the cost and I remember seeing lots of info on making your own 2 part. Can someone help me out, also the amount you dose and if you add anything besides the 2 part. Thanks,
Tim

 

[mg426]

Look in the Chemistry forum. Near the top under articles by Randy Holmes Farley. I have been using his homemade two part for ayear and It works great. Very easy to make and mighty cheap. as for how much to use look at the reef calculator, Randys home made two part is one of the formulas.

 

[Paintbug]

here is the latest recipe. http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-02/rhf/index.php

i have been using Randy's since Dec. 05. i switched from b-ionic. in my 75g i was dosing around 20mL a day with b-ionic, i dose about 30mL a day with Randy's. there is actually 3 parts with his recipe, the third is for the magnesium. which you only need to add the mag part when the levels get low. doing weekly water changes usually are enough for the mag.

in order to know how much you will need to add, you really will have to wait and see how much your tank consumes. let it run for a week or so and check your calc, and alk levels daily. once you know how much your tank comsumes daily, you will know how much to dose. then you can start testing weekly, then adjust from there.

 

[TimTen]

have you been happy with the results and do you dose anything else.

 

[mg426]

I have seen wonderful results using Randys Two Part. I do not dose anything else.

 

[scott0615]

Do yourself a favor and chart the results of your tests...then sit back a study the trends of your tank. Every tank is different and will require different dosages of ca, alk, and mg. There is no magic behind calcium, alk, & mg supplements...only the way they are delivered to your tank. If you purchase liquid 2 parts you are buying dilutions - convenient for some but expensive for others.

 

[outy]

randys 2 part is the way to go

hands down the best cheapest way to maintain alk/ca and mag

 

[Paintbug]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8221883#post8221883 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by TimTen
have you been happy with the results and do you dose anything else.

can not complain one bit! the hardest part of making it is finding the chemicals. it ends up costing me about $5 for 1 gal of both parts, and about $5 for a gallon of the mag part. i just made a new batch last month. and i have about 3/4 of a gal left of the mag. so $5 per 7-8 months of 2 part isnt bad for me.

i dont dose anything else in my tank. weekly water changes (bi-weekly some weeks) will take care of all the other trace elements.

 

[TimTen]

great thanks for everyone's help. Will use the rest of my B-Ionic and try and find the chemicals this weekend.