Dowflake Xtra and Randy's 2-Part

[gregzz4]

The original formula from Randy is to use 500grams/Gallon of Dow Flake, which is/was 77-80% pure Calcium Chloride
The new stuff is Dowflake Xtra and is 83-87% pure

Because of it's higher concentration, it's been recommended to use 8% less of the Xtra version, so 460grams/Gallon

If you're using the new Xtra version, how much are you mixing ?

[1eyedjyde]

I actually mix a slightly higher concentration for both cal and alk so I don't have to dose as much. Just make sure the two are balanced.

[gregzz4]

So you use Dowflake Xtra ?

[iceman86]

Where can you buy dow flake?

[1eyedjyde]

So you use Dowflake Xtra ?

I use a different brand pellet that is 93 to 97% so by weight its even more concentrated.

[gregzz4]

I use a different brand pellet that is 93 to 97% so by weight its even more concentrated.
Obviously you're having no issues then
Thanks

[gregzz4]

Where can you buy dow flake?
I ordered a 20KG bag through my local Home Hardware

[1eyedjyde]

The stuff I got was through acklands granger. I've been using it for over a year and have dosed over 50 lbs in that time.

[Abe]

Anyone know where I can get dowflake in edmonton?

[reefme]

Where can you buy dow flake?

I have some if you want.

[gregzz4]

Anyone else using the Xtra stuff ?

Any issues in keeping Alk and Ca balanced with the higher purity ?

[reeferfulton]

Hey gregg.
Not sure why you would anticipate balance issues. If the new ca is of higher concentration you will just add less.

I have switched between various supplements a few times. I would just start the new dose roughly where you had the old one . Then check your parameters each day for a week and make adjustments accordingly.

Unless your trying to calculate it out so that you dose Equal portions of the liquid. Then why does it matter .

I understand as per randys recipe it was all fairly equal but at the end of the day if you are mainting your levels (9 alk ,420ca) or whatever you choose . Then dossing 100ml of alk and 60ml of calcium etc shiildnt matter.

At least not to me lol

[gregzz4]

Thanks for that
I was kinda hopin' to keep the timers matched
Just a bit anal :wink:

[reeferfulton]

Didnt realize You were using timers etc. That likely makes it a bit more of a hassle to make adjustments frequently.

[gregzz4]

Reefkeeper timers
Not so difficult to change

[1eyedjyde]

If you want to keep the volumes you dose alk and cal the same you can increase the concentration of your alk solution by the same amount.

[gregzz4]

Thanks for the suggestion
I'll stick with timer changes to start
I'm hoping once I find the initial balance I'll be able to base Mag dosing off the amount of Alk used
This way, in the future, I won't have to test weekly anymore

[mark]

maybe a post in the Chem forum on RC, probably get a response from Randy himself.

[bowenbowen]

Hey Abe, just checked HomeHardware and they do have 34 bags in Airdrie and $24.99 20kg each. Maybe available in your area too.

[Abe]

Thanks I will check this weekend.