Turbo Ca and Super dKH Buffer

[NaH2Ofreak]

Hi Randy, I have some left over Kent brand turbo calcium and some of the Kent brand Super buffer dKH. Is it possible to make a stock, 1 gallon solution of each of these and use it for daily two part dosing? If so, how much of each to add to a gallon of RO/DI water?

Since I have the products and need to begin two part dosing, I thought I might as well save some money and use them up (if possible).

Thanks
Dennis

 

[bertoni]

The Super Buffer probably is close to the soda ash entry in the calculator:

http://reef.diesyst.com/chemcalc/chemcalc.html

The Turbo Calcium is calcium chloride, so basically you should be able to use recipe 1, although you might want to bake the Super Buffer first, in case it has a significant amount of baking soda in it. Alternatively, you could boil the alkalinity solution until the Super Buffer dissolves.

 

[NaH2Ofreak]

Hmm.. a little more than I want to do with the superbuffer. Maybe I will try using the turbo calcium.

Thanks
Dennis

 

[disc1]

The Turbo Calcium is anhydrous calcium chloride. There's a note in the recipe about using a little less of it, 20% I think, than when you are using the dihydrate.

The anhydrous form of CaCl2 also gets REALLY hot when it dissolves. Hot enough to deform or even melt a plastic container. So be careful when you make it up.

 

[NaH2Ofreak]

Yes, it does get warm when mixed. I've also had issues with using turbo calcium and having pumps freeze up. Not sure if I will use either of these products I have. Maybe I will just go to BRS and order their stuff.

Thanks
Dennis

 

[NaH2Ofreak]

Is there an issue with using calcium chloride while also dosing full strength kalkwasser? Something about a build up of ion's? Is this a serious concern? Cheleated calcium?

Thanks
Dennis

 

[philipph]

I remember reading an article from Randy that he mentioned dkH superbuffer contains borate.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Using up what you have is a fine plan. Going forward, I'd try to balance out the chloride with some sulfate via magnesium sulfate in a DIY two part:

An Improved Do-it-Yourself Two-Part Calcium and Alkalinity Supplement System
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-02/rhf/index.php

 

[NaH2Ofreak]

Sounds good Randy, thanks for the advice. I will take a look at the article

Dennis

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

You're welcome.

Happy Reefing.