Local Source for DIY Two Part

[cabrego]

Hey Guys and Gals,

 

I am having trouble keeping my parameters up so I am considering dosing two part via Randy's DIY recipes. Does anyone know where I can find all of the stuff locally? I currently use Kalk via my top off but it has not been saturated for a while, it is due for a refill this weekend. I am looking to get my Calcium and Mg under better control. Here are my current parameters...

 

Date Alk Mg Calcium PH

30-Apr 7.5 1000 370 7.8

 

Thanks!

[OldReefer]

I thought about going DIY for dosing. But I eventually just bought massive amounts of BRS products. I have a couple nearly-full 5-gallon containers of both ALK and Ca. If you would like to try some let me know. I would be glad to give you a little sample.

[cabrego]

I thought about going DIY for dosing. But I eventually just bought massive amounts of BRS products. I have a couple nearly-full 5-gallon containers of both ALK and Ca. If you would like to try some let me know. I would be glad to give you a little sample.

 

 

Hey thanks for the offer I could really use some Mg right now as you can see. I can get the calcium up with some of my other supplements. Are you dosing manually? I would really like to get an automated setup. I am still researching the two via on the shelf products vs. pre packaged BRS type stuff to see if it is worth the trouble.

 

Do you happen to know if I need to dose baking soda if I am already dosing alk?

[OldReefer]

Kalk is a balanced additive so you should not have to dose baking soda as well. A tank with kalk will stabilize with Ca a little on the high side, but the alk will come up into a good range. Right now it looks like you are a little low on everything.

 

If want to have a look at a BRS doser just PM me. I am traveling a bit lately but should be around on the weekends.

[cabrego]

Kalk is a balanced additive so you should not have to dose baking soda as well. A tank with kalk will stabilize with Ca a little on the high side, but the alk will come up into a good range. Right now it looks like you are a little low on everything.

 

If want to have a look at a BRS doser just PM me. I am traveling a bit lately but should be around on the weekends.

 

 

So you are using a automated dosing scheme, how do you like it? That seems to be the route I am heading towards. It is either that, or get a calcium reactor, but my space is limited. I am looking at the aquamedic with the integrated controller. I would definitely like to take a look at your setup PM your info so we can coordinate.

 

Thanks!

[cabrego]

Well my search has been quite dry,

 

I have gone to Home Depot and called Tractor Supply Company with no luck.

[bshriver]

If you start two part you should dose both parts equally. I get that mag and ca supplies from bulk reef supply. I get the sodium carbonate by buying big bags of baking soda from BJs and baking it in the oven for a few hours to turn it into sodium carbonate or soda ash. I use it over baking soda to help keep ph levels higher.

 

I mainly run CA reactors now though and only use the two part on my small tank and to raise levels here and there.

 

Since I switched to GenX media in my reactors I don't have to dose mag anymore either.

 

Kalkwasser is a balanced additive as well because it provides calcium and carbonate in the same ratios that you coral consume them.