Homemade Calc. and Alk Mix? Kalk?

[parkavenuereef]

Ok i hear alot of guys not using b-ionic and using Kalk or some other form of homemade additive for calc and alk in there tanks? What is the exact ingredients and amounts of each as i am dying to stop buying b-ionic.. also who uses kalk daily? Thanks in advance!

 

[worldwidereef]

Check in the chemistry forum for Randy's DIY 2 part. It will tell you everything you need to know.

 

[parkavenuereef]

haven't found it yet...

 

[twon8]

look under articles in the reef chemistry forum, its like the fifth post down or so

 

[twon8]

direct link

direct link

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/april2004/chem.htm

 

[coker98]

alk buffer is just baking soda and a homemade calcium additive is pickling lime.

 

[Froggy]

I had been using B-ionic 2 part + Kalk for around 4 years on my tank. I recently just switched to using Randy's 2 part recipe #1 ( higher PH ) along with the Kalk and it has been working great. Just look at the link and follow the recipe using Baking soda for the Alk solution and one of the recomended calcium chloride products for the calcium part of the solution. Use the homemade solution just as you would B-ionic. Also in the recipe there is a 3rd part that is to be used occasionally to maintain the magnesium in the tank as well. I would highly recomend usinig the homemade solution. It has worked great for me and it is so much easier on the pocket book. You can by the items in the recipe in bulk for a cheap price and it will last a long time.

 

[shelburn61]

Randy's threads on Ca and Alk need to be stickied on this forum!

Most people don't think to check the chemistry forum and I see these same questions over and over here. No offense pareef.

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