2 Pt Calcium/Buffer

intarsiabox · #1 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 · #2 07-18-2009, 03:57 AM

First of all do you already have ca and carbonates consumers?

fkshiu · #3 07-18-2009, 05:49 AM

Make your own:
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-02/rhf/index.php

bowkry · #4 07-18-2009, 05:55 AM

I use 2little fishies a b balance it is great

xtreme · #5 07-18-2009, 05:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fkshiu

make your own:
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-02/rhf/index.php

+1

Ian · #6 07-18-2009, 06:29 AM

Where are the ingredients found in alberta? Doe Home depot carry them?

intarsiabox · #7 07-18-2009, 03:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Navarchus

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 · #8 07-18-2009, 03:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fkshiu

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.

xtreme · #9 07-18-2009, 03:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ian

Where are the ingredients found in alberta? Doe Home depot carry them?

I'd recommend getting your calcium and magnesium from the Chemmaster. 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 · #10 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.