Natural or Chemical?

[mike007]

I have been doing alot of research on natural additives for the reef tank. The more i learn the more i am thinking about converting to diy additives. Not only are they cheaper to produce i am thinking they are safer to use. What are your thoughts?

 

[redfishbluefish]

Other then a little stint of using B-Ionic, I’ve been using Randy’s Two Part (An Improved Do-it-Yourself Two-Part Calcium and Alkalinity Supplement System by Randy Holmes-Farley - Reefkeeping.com), since 2008. Knock on wood, my corals are growing like Jack’s beanstalk. I buy baking soda from Sam’s for somewhere in the six dollar range for maybe 13 pounds (which will last me for years.), and ice melt products for the calcium part and mag part….plus some Epsom salts for Mag as well, in life-time supply quantities..


Using hand waving statistics, I’m guessing I easily spend less than five dollars a year to dose my 90 gallon tank. I have a life-time supply of calcium (40 pounds) and magnesium chloride (40 pounds), each for less than $20/bag.

If you don’t have access to ice melt products, your next best bet is BRS.

 

[mike007]

Awesome bro.

 

[beaslbob]

I have been doing alot of research on natural additives for the reef tank. The more i learn the more i am thinking about converting to diy additives. Not only are they cheaper to produce i am thinking they are safer to use. What are your thoughts?

go for it!