CAL/ALK Dosing?

Rob.D · Apr 21, 2013

What is everyone using for CAL/ALK dosing? I'm just wondering if the extra cost of the BRS products are worth it.

I use Baked Baking Soda for ALK and Morton Ice Melt for CAL.

Downbeach · Apr 21, 2013

I use baking soda as well, but I buy the Calcium Chloride from BRS. I think that Morton Ice Melt may be more than just Calcium Chloride, you might want to check it out.

cee · Apr 21, 2013

Same here but I don't dose Ca yet and make up Alk through my top-off water. I use Peladow as well on occasion (bought 50 lbs. of it many years ago). Rock solid levels and I'd bet $5 the BRS products are repackaged forms of the above. Are you having problems that would lead you to believe otherwise?

Tried my Hanna Phosphorus ULR tester today and was surprised to learn my P is 6 ppb. Not sure I believe it so I'll retest in a few days.

Dave

Rob.D · Apr 21, 2013

I wouldn't say "problems" other than I can't find the Ice Melt locally and now that I have just a 30 cube I can't justify having a 50lb bag sitting around in an apartment.

Maybe I could buy some from someone whom has a large bag?

SLUF681 · Apr 21, 2013

Hey Rob, I use hardness increaser for hot tubs for my calcium. Got the MSDS on it, it was the same as all the rest of the "acceptable" calcium ingredients. I'm sure it was more expensive however.

seased · Apr 22, 2013

I do the same as Downbeach. I could not find Peladow locally, so I went with BRS. Maybe a LFS could buy some Ca in bulk and resell - hint, hint. Or the club buy some and resell.

Rob.D · Apr 22, 2013

seased said:
I do the same as Downbeach. I could not find Peladow locally, so I went with BRS. Maybe a LFS could buy some Ca in bulk and resell - hint, hint. Or the club buy some and resell.

I think the club buying it is a fine idea. I'll try to locate a bag of Peldaow tonight after work.

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cee · Apr 22, 2013

Rob.D said:
I wouldn't say "problems" other than I can't find the Ice Melt locally and now that I have just a 30 cube I can't justify having a 50lb bag sitting around in an apartment.

Maybe I could buy some from someone whom has a large bag?

It's not so large anymore but I would gladly give you a couple of pounds if that is all you need.

EvilMel · Apr 22, 2013

I used to use baking soda for alk and some other commercial product that I can't remember for calcium. I haven't ever used the actual reef products much.

I did use "reef builder" at one point but it jacked my magnesium up way too high so I had to lay off a bit.

Engloid · Apr 23, 2013

I have a calcium reactor that I may be selling.

Rob.D · Apr 23, 2013

cee said:
It's not so large anymore but I would gladly give you a couple of pounds if that is all you need.

Thanks Dave, if I can't find a bag Peladow I'll take you up on your offer.

cee · Apr 23, 2013

You can get it through amazon about $50 shipped.

Dowtish · Apr 23, 2013

Is the BRS stuff really all that expensive?

We have a member who buys the 5 gallon buckets and then sells it to other members at cost.

dwilliams87 · Apr 23, 2013

cee said:
Same here but I don't dose Ca yet and make up Alk through my top-off water. I use Peladow as well on occasion (bought 50 lbs. of it many years ago). Rock solid levels and I'd bet $5 the BRS products are repackaged forms of the above. Are you having problems that would lead you to believe otherwise?

Tried my Hanna Phosphorus ULR tester today and was surprised to learn my P is 6 ppb. Not sure I believe it so I'll retest in a few days.

Dave

6 ppb on the phosphorus meter would be .018, so that's not unbelievable by any stretch. I try to keep mine at .03.

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jabberkaycee · Apr 25, 2013

I've used BRS for a few years now. I like the convenience of buying the two part kits that make a gallon of each. It's pre-measured packets that are perfect for smaller tanks. Rob, I have several extra kits if you need one. They also come with a smaller packet of magnesium that you typically lose after a gallon of dosing.

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