Keeping Ph, Alk, and Cal in check

tsouth · 03-23-2008, 03:06 AM

What is your guys' solution to keeping these three in check? I'm looking for the best product that will keep them in line without the use of reactors. Kalk, buffers, baking soda, etc etc?

tunicata · 03-23-2008, 07:50 AM

I have used ESV Bionic and it never messed up my Ph values. I'm about to try the two part system from bulkreefsupply. They have a mix that slightly lowers your ph if you have 8.4 and above, and one that slightly raises it/keeps the same??

bulkreefsupply.com
That's not a plug for them btw, I have no reviews on them yet. I'll be ordering from them on Monday.

Cloud1921 · 03-23-2008, 12:09 PM

Two part additions should keep them in check.
I have never had any problems with ESV products.
Prior to upgrading into a calcium/kalk reactor, I kept those parameters in check with ESV's Mg and two part supplement.

There are "so-called" one bottle supplements such as, Purple-Up, but according to many reefers, they appear to be inadequate.

As for the mix at bulkreefsupply, it is essentially Randy's DIY recipe. It should be more cost effective and is regarded by many users to perform just as well as any other shelf product.

fishkeeper · 03-23-2008, 01:43 PM

hey t if you have the right amount of live rock your ph should never be an issue,as for the rest there are several good products on the market,find one you like and stick with it.

tsouth · 03-31-2008, 04:44 AM

Gracias senors. I'll just stick to my water changes then. The problem is that my batch of reefcrystals had low calcium in it. It was due to a faulty supply so yeah w/e anyways if i raise the calcium then I have to raise the alk too right. how does baking soda effect other parameters when raising alk?

**Deepwater** · 03-31-2008, 11:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cloud1921

Two part additions should keep them in check.
I have never had any problems with ESV products.
Prior to upgrading into a calcium/kalk reactor, I kept those parameters in check with ESV's Mg and two part supplement.

There are "so-called" one bottle supplements such as, Purple-Up, but according to many reefers, they appear to be inadequate.

As for the mix at bulkreefsupply, it is essentially Randy's DIY recipe. It should be more cost effective and is regarded by many users to perform just as well as any other shelf product.

well said

ake

bschuerman · 03-31-2008, 11:44 AM

Where do I find this Randy's DIY recipe? Anyone have a link? I'll google it too I guess.

tsouth · 03-31-2008, 01:47 PM

bulkreefsupply carries it

bschuerman · 03-31-2008, 02:21 PM

Oh, so it is not really a DIY recipe it is a concoction they sell? I'd like to figure how to make my own is that possible?

Banned · 03-31-2008, 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bschuerman

Where do I find this Randy's DIY recipe? Anyone have a link? I'll google it too I guess.

An Improved Do-it-Yourself Two-Part Calcium and Alkalinity Supplement System by Randy Holmes-Farley - Reefkeeping.com

If you can't find dowflakes an mag flakes locally you can buy it from one of Reefercafe's sponsers. www.BuckeyeFieldSupply.com

tsouth · 03-31-2008, 03:05 PM

Check for the new dow flakes though. Apparently they've changed their chemical composition to elevate boron so you can't use it anymore.
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