PDA

View Full Version : 2 Pt Calcium/Buffer


intarsiabox
07-18-2009, 12:20 AM
Hi everyone, my 20g tank is about 2 months old now and I need to start dosing for calcium. I think that a 2 part calcium/buffer product would be the easiest way to go for my tank. Any recommendations on a particular brand that you have had good or bad luck with?

Navarchus
07-18-2009, 03:57 AM
First of all do you already have ca and carbonates consumers?

fkshiu
07-18-2009, 05:49 AM
Make your own:
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-02/rhf/index.php

bowkry
07-18-2009, 05:55 AM
I use 2little fishies a b balance it is great

xtreme
07-18-2009, 05:57 AM
make your own:
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-02/rhf/index.php

+1

Ian
07-18-2009, 06:29 AM
Where are the ingredients found in alberta? Doe Home depot carry them?

intarsiabox
07-18-2009, 03:42 PM
First of all do you already have ca and carbonates consumers?

I have hammer and frog spawn corals. I also would like my coraline algae to start taking off a bit more.

intarsiabox
07-18-2009, 03:48 PM
Make your own:
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-02/rhf/index.php

This looks interesting! I'm going to see if I can track down the ingredients and give it a try. Thanks for the link.:biggrin:

xtreme
07-18-2009, 03:50 PM
Where are the ingredients found in alberta? Doe Home depot carry them?

I'd recommend getting your calcium and magnesium from the Chemmaster (http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/forumdisplay.php?f=67). I did track down a product that was supposedly 100% calcium chloride but I just felt better using the food grade stuff from the chemmaster. For magnesium you could use epsom salts from the drug store if you are in a pinch but I don't think that is good for long term use as it adds to much sulfate. Chemmaster's magnesium is around 8 parts magnesium chloride to 1 part magnesium sulfate IIRC.

Edit: I should add you need to get your calcium and alkalinity in check before you should worry about the magnesium. For raising alk all you need is baking soda.

Jack
07-18-2009, 05:55 PM
Why make your own for a small 20 gallon tank? It won't save you money and it'll be lots of work.

Just pickup a product like ESV B-Ionic two part. It's cheap and has all the minerals in proper ratio's.

But if you really like to tinker you can make your own.

Navarchus
07-18-2009, 07:33 PM
ESV B-Ionic is one of the best!

Redsea calk is the optimal solution for small systems.
http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewItem~idproduct~RS4311.html

xtreme
07-18-2009, 07:41 PM
Why make your own for a small 20 gallon tank?

True enough. I have a large system so it saves me a ton of money. For a small tank the store bought 2 part might be a better route.

intarsiabox
07-18-2009, 09:37 PM
I've heard a lot of good things about ESV B-Ionic. I just ordered some today from JL Aquatics to give it a try since I had a few other things to get anyway. By the way they have free shipping on orders over $100 right now.

Jack
07-18-2009, 09:52 PM
It's good stuff you will like it.