Alkalinity and Calcium Balance

Brian Drab · Dec 23, 2020

I use ESV B-Ionic two part (my preference) to keep my alkalinity/calcium levels in check. However periodically I need to dose only alkalinity to keep it where I want it and the calcium is fine where it's at. Sometimes I'll do this for a week straight until things are where they need to be. There are reasons this can happen explained in this article. So ultimately I end up going through more alkalinity than calcium however it doesn't appear that ESV and many other brands sell only Alkalinity? I end up having many extra bottles of unused Calcium laying around, etc.

Any idea why it's not sold separately anywhere? It would be nice.

Randy Holmes-Farley · Dec 23, 2020

Brian Drab said:
I use ESV B-Ionic two part (my preference) to keep my alkalinity/calcium levels in check. However periodically I need to dose only alkalinity to keep it where I want it and the calcium is fine where it's at. Sometimes I'll do this for a week straight until things are where they need to be. There are reasons this can happen explained in this article. So ultimately I end up going through more alkalinity than calcium however it doesn't appear that ESV and many other brands sell only Alkalinity? I end up having many extra bottles of unused Calcium laying around, etc.

Any idea why it's not sold separately anywhere? It would be nice.

I'd just use baking soda for the alk when making corrections.

Brian Drab · Dec 23, 2020

Any link you can provide for instructions for this? I'll definitely do it.

Randy Holmes-Farley · Dec 23, 2020

Sure. Use this calculator to determine how much you need, dissolve it in any sufficient amount of RO/DI water, and add it just like any other liquid alk supplement:

Reef Chemistry Calculator

Brian Drab · Dec 23, 2020

OMG. I've wasted so much money. Thank you Randy!!

Randy Holmes-Farley · Dec 23, 2020

ESV B-ionic is an excellent product, but here's a DIY recipe that can be a lot less costly that many folks use:

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

Brian Drab · Dec 23, 2020

Thank you! It's amazing how articles from so long ago still stand the test of time. I'm looking for any cost savings that make sense so I'll review it.