home made buffers

[michaelg]

I have been making my own version of b-ionic according to

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

with the exception that I add sodium carbonate (1 part to 6 parts bi-carbonate) as per an article a ways back from craig bingman.

 

I have had no problems with it at all, and it is far cheaper than buying the b-ionic.  I became too frustrated with my calcium reactor and haven't felt like fighting with it lately so I have just been dosing the calcium and alk along with kalkwasser for makeup.    My problem now is that I have run out of CaCl2 salt.  All the others I can pick up at the super market except the calcium.  I looked at the ice melters at home depot this year, and they are all a mix of CaCl2, KCl, and NaCl.  Anyone find the pure CaCl2 locally?  I just ordered 4lbs from aquatic ecosystems for $10, but the other stuff is way cheaper.  In the event that it isn't available locally, anyone interested in splitting a 35 lb bucket for $20 each plus shipping?  I might want to go that route if I find the 4 lbs doesn't last long.