Randy Holmes-Farley diy method

Jmas4 · Dec 21, 2018

@Randy Holmes-Farley
I just want to confirm this diy method is still viable. http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-02/rhf/index.php
The article is 12 years old and I want to make sure there isn't a new version.
Thanks

Flippers4pups · Dec 21, 2018

Jmas4 said:
@Randy Holmes-Farley
I just want to confirm this diy method is still viable. http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-02/rhf/index.php
The article is 12 years old and I want to make sure there isn't a new version.
Thanks

I believe its still current. I use the alkalinity part still to this day.

redfishbluefish · Dec 21, 2018

This version is still used....I've been using it for about ten years, and continue to use it....and is the same or very similar to the majority of commercial two part products out there.

That said, a "new" DIY version is available that potentially makes additions truly two part...and can boost pH. That can be found HERE.

Either way, you still need to determine consumption, and an explanation of that can be found HERE.

Jmas4 · Dec 21, 2018

Flippers4pups said:
I believe its still current. I use the alkalinity part still to this day.

Thanks. Glad to know it's still viable.

redfishbluefish said:
This version is still used....I've been using it for about ten years, and continue to use it....and is the same or very similar to the majority of commercial two part products out there.

That said, a "new" DIY version is available that potentially makes additions truly two part...and can boost pH. That can be found HERE.

Either way, you still need to determine consumption, and an explanation of that can be found HERE.

Thanks. I'll read into that.

SPR1968 · Dec 22, 2018

redfishbluefish said:
This version is still used....I've been using it for about ten years, and continue to use it....and is the same or very similar to the majority of commercial two part products out there.

That said, a "new" DIY version is available that potentially makes additions truly two part...and can boost pH. That can be found HERE.

Either way, you still need to determine consumption, and an explanation of that can be found HERE.

Those are all great articles and I’m guessing these are all a much more economical version of the Red Sea Foundation elementals I’ve always used.

Forgive me if I’ve missed it, but what is the dosing rate of the 2 part, for example X to raise alkalinity by X per litre/gallon etc ?

redfishbluefish · Dec 22, 2018

Randy's formula is what BRS used for their two part, so simply use any of the calculators and pick BRS two part to figure out amount needed to raise dKh by whatever.

SPR1968 · Dec 22, 2018

redfishbluefish said:
Randy's formula is what BRS used for their two part, so simply use any of the calculators and pick BRS two part to figure out amount needed to raise dKh by whatever.

Thanks Paul, I’ll have another read through it all and the calculations, it’s very informative

Randy Holmes-Farley · Dec 22, 2018

As folks mentioned, the recipe is still ok and BRS and Dr Foster and Smith sell ingredients, and at least at BRS, those may be higher purity.

There is also a new version around that raises pH even more, using sodium hydroxide for the alk part.

Jmas4 · Dec 29, 2018

Are these good?

Calcium Chloride
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Snow-Jo...ce-Melter-Re-Sealable-Bag-MELT50CCP/206402772

Baking soda
https://www.ebay.com/itm/ARM-HAMMER...259430?hash=item4b4b61fa26:g:D4gAAOSwuc1bavjA

Magnesium Chloride
https://www.homedepot.com/p/50-lb-Ice-Melting-Pellets-50B-MGPLT/202284200

Epsom salt
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Epsom-Salt...s-9-Bulk-Wholesale-Size-Choices-/253642651527

Randy Holmes-Farley · Dec 30, 2018

The baking soda and Epsom salt are fine. I do not know if the other two are adequately pure without extensive testing, or without a substantial number of folks using them saying that worked well for them.