neuroslicer
Old School Reefer
At tonight's meeting we discussed adding calcium, carbonate ions, and magnesium with DIY solutions. One source of information discussed was the recipes posted by Randy Holmes Farley on Reef Central. Here's that link:
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-02/rhf/index.php
A matter of concern was voiced about the impurities of the Dowflake calcium chloride flakes, made by Dow Chemicals, and sold by Buckeyefield Supply. These flakes are sold as ~77% Calcium chloride, mainly because the remaining 23% is mostly water. Still, Farley has written an article that suggests that there are very slight traces of a variety of metals and ions in Dowflake calcium, but these same impurities are also found in calcium supplements from Kent, ESV, and other aquarium companies. Here's his article on calcium purity:
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/mar2004/chem.htm
And here are two links that present info on Magflakes (made by Dead Sea Works) and their chemical analysis:
http://www.pioneermagnesia.com/products_applications_specifications.htm
http://www.bostonreefers.org/forums/showthread.php?t=3568
The following link lists many articles on water chemistry, including a discussion of the DIY recipe for kalkwasser or 2 part Calcium/alkalinity recipe, and the DIY recipe for chelated iron that I gave away tonight.
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=102605
Of course if what you're doing now is working for you, than don't fix something that's not broke. But if you find yourself needing to add more supplements such as calcium or alkalinity, and you're comfortable mixing up some of your own solutions, it can be a fun way to save a few bucks, which of course will then be spent on more critters or high tech gadgetry!
I enjoyed talking with you all tonight!
Jay
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-02/rhf/index.php
A matter of concern was voiced about the impurities of the Dowflake calcium chloride flakes, made by Dow Chemicals, and sold by Buckeyefield Supply. These flakes are sold as ~77% Calcium chloride, mainly because the remaining 23% is mostly water. Still, Farley has written an article that suggests that there are very slight traces of a variety of metals and ions in Dowflake calcium, but these same impurities are also found in calcium supplements from Kent, ESV, and other aquarium companies. Here's his article on calcium purity:
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/mar2004/chem.htm
And here are two links that present info on Magflakes (made by Dead Sea Works) and their chemical analysis:
http://www.pioneermagnesia.com/products_applications_specifications.htm
http://www.bostonreefers.org/forums/showthread.php?t=3568
The following link lists many articles on water chemistry, including a discussion of the DIY recipe for kalkwasser or 2 part Calcium/alkalinity recipe, and the DIY recipe for chelated iron that I gave away tonight.
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=102605
Of course if what you're doing now is working for you, than don't fix something that's not broke. But if you find yourself needing to add more supplements such as calcium or alkalinity, and you're comfortable mixing up some of your own solutions, it can be a fun way to save a few bucks, which of course will then be spent on more critters or high tech gadgetry!
I enjoyed talking with you all tonight!
Jay
