Dow Flake

[MarshaW]

I believe I read in the chemistry forum that Dow Flakes can be purchased at Home Depot. Right or wrong? I was going to buy from Bulk Reef Supply but every time I searched the site, I got 0 results.

I've been testing my parameters daily and dosing, but I'm not having any luck with getting the water right. Here are the readings:

PH: 8.2; trites: 0; Amm: 0; trate:0, Ca: 330; mag: 1500; and the Alk is also 0.

Any suggestions? I have allot of new corals and I want to learn this hobby so I don't have to worry all the time about losing my investment. I would even pay 60.00 a week for someone to stop by and help me get it right. I don't want to give up because I love this hobby, but the chemistry is just hard to learn for an oldddddd lady like me. :rolleye1:

 

[OUPike1833]

I would double check the alkalinity test... Also, your calcium is a little on the low side.

 

[sharky's machin]

How is your alkalinity 0? That can't be right.

Bulk reef supply has a beginner kit with the 2 part. All you do is mix it and dose in the tank. Dow flake is a brand name for calcium, they don't sell that brand at BRS. They do have a starter kit for $40 that has everything to start. They also have good instructions on the site as well.

 

[GregC]

Dow Flake, and Mag Flake are no longer carried in Oklahoma, if your looking for chemicals, for Alk and Cal, the above advice is great, BRS is the place to go. Use their Two part solution, it will get the job done in a very good way.

 

[gws76]

I can still get magflake and dowflake here through a local chemical supply. But, it's just as easy to get what you need through BRS. They have great products.

 

[happysak]

PM sent

 

[cjilge]

Marsha, its not as hard as it seems. THe two part solution is a good deal and will last you a long time. I would sugest buying the "kits" the first time so you have the bottles and such. Then just buy the refills as needed. 1 gal of ea will last you a long time. I use the baked baking soda as per the instructions in the chem forum, and dow flake extra we bought as a group buy, but BRS is really good to. I would get your alk tested with another test kit I've never seen 0, I think your kit is bad. Take some water to AC and see what Greg says it is, and buy another kit. LMK if you need any help.

Chris

 

[cody6766]

It can seem a little daunting at first, but I know you can learn this stuff. My wife went from 0 reef experience to successfully keeping my 33g mixed reef with no sump, ato or skimmer. She kept up with testing, two part dosing and water changes. Get some easy to use chemicals and easy test kits and you'll be set up. I use Tetra's alk tester and I've used API's and Instant Ocean's Ca test kit and they are both pretty simple

 

[MarshaW]

I'm just feeling a little overwhelmed right now, with trying to keep my corals alive, plus I was tested Sat. for lupus. I want to keep my tank but right now I'm not up to taking care of it.

I will answer pms later today. Thanks for the suggestions.

 

[cody6766]

Good luck! You can do it. Keep a log too. It seemed to help me early on