Basic easy to obtain elements?

[Udest]

Just a thought here but I was thinking since I'm on a budget what basic ingredients can i find to help maintain and experiment with my reef .

I know some like sodium Bicarbonate , Sodium sulfate AKA Epsom salt , I don't know if we can use chelated Iron i know it can be used for planted tanks.

 

[blaxsun]

Maintain or experiment with what exactly?

 

[Udest]

pretty much maintaining alk and mag without having to try to find stuff at my local shops , as of late a lot of dry goods have been missing or a bit pricey.

as for the iron i want to try dosing small amounts for macros when i get a hold of them again.

 

[BigBundee69]

pretty much maintaining alk and mag without having to try to find stuff at my local shops , as of late a lot of dry goods have been missing or a bit pricey.

as for the iron i want to try dosing small amounts for macros when i get a hold of them again.

Tropic marin all in one would be your best bet imo

 

[TokenReefer]

pretty much maintaining alk and mag without having to try to find stuff at my local shops

Mag flake (magnesium chloride) and baking soda?

 

[TokenReefer]

https://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-07/rhf/index.php#14

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

 

[Udest]

Yeah I've gotten a bit curious about some of the old-school methods and how they managed to dial everything in with much less tech or prepared solutions.
Plus there's some other things I wanted to test as well .

don't worry I will not be sacrificing things like high priced acros to curiosity.

 

[Ron Reefman]

I've been using things like Dow Flake for Ca and soda ash from a pool supply for alk for nearly 20 years. I've had no issues and I have great results with all kinds of corals.

 

[Udest]

I'll have to print those sheets out and get to shopping soon.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

, Sodium sulfate AKA Epsom salt , I don't know if we can use chelated Iron i know it can be used for planted tanks.

Epsom salt is magnesium sulfate heptahydrate.

My recommended iron is ferrous gluconate from Fergon tablets dissolved in RO/DI water. Search fergon and you'll see the recipes.

There are many DIY trace element threads.


These may also be useful:

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

Reef Aquarium Salinity: Homemade Calibration Standards by Randy Holmes-Farley - Reefkeeping.com

 

[Udest]

sweet never did take chemistry back in my school days but I understand enough from my culinary classes back then lol.

Just got to brush up on the math again probably my worst subject .