Dowflake Xtra and Randy's 2-Part
 

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 ?

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.

So you use Dowflake Xtra ?

Where can you buy dow flake?

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

I ordered a 20KG bag through my local Home Hardware

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.

Anyone know where I can get dowflake in edmonton?

I have some if you want.

Anyone else using the Xtra stuff ?

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

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

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

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

Reefkeeper timers
Not so difficult to change

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.

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

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

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

Thanks I will check this weekend.