Sourcing 2 part ingredients in Australia

Jack312 · Aug 5, 2020

Hi guys.
I"m new to reefing and i have noticed my parameters (cal, alk and mag) have been slowly declining over the last few months. I am interested in making my own 2 part mix to does. I have been reading the Randy Holmes article on diy two part. My problem is i am not sure how to find some of these ingredients in Australia. Does anyone have any experience with this. I am worried that i will order something that will be dangerous to use on the tank.
Thank you for your help
Jack

brmreefer · Aug 5, 2020

Which ingredients? I am currently using the following:

Alk = Sodium Carbonate (Soda Ash). Sources include Bake "Baking Soda" to convert to Soda Ash as per Randy Holmes-Farley's Recipe instructions. I have found a Swimming Pool additive called "PH Up" by Pool Time here in the U.S. that I plan on trying, but going to go about it slow. According to the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) it does seem to be pure Sodium carbonate, but I will see if there are any ill affects on my system.

Note: I was going to use Chlorox "PH Up", but noticed on the packaging that it has a small printed text reading "*From Pool Water." Before even using it, I switched over to the Pool Time brand, but have not used it yet until I have exhausted my current supply of home made Soda Ash.

Calcium = I have been using swimming pool Calcium Hardness increaser for this parameter. I just recently switched to the Chlorox brand, and so far so good. The prior brand was HTH Calcium Hardness Increaser. According to the SDS for these, they seem to be just fine, and again...no ill affects as of yet. I been using this method for at least 6 months, if not longer.

Magnesium = I bought a small container labeled for reef tanks from BRS. I have not delved into the DIY Mg arena yet since this parameter is pretty stable. Maybe due to water changes, or high Mg salt I use...not sure.

***Please note this is all anecdotal, so take it for what its worth. Maybe others will chime in with additional info that could help.***

Apologies for long response, but wanted to provide some specifics as I think they may be important for one to make a well informed decision on what to use. Hope this helps and happy reefing.

MabuyaQ · Aug 5, 2020

Anything food grade should be safe to use and you can often find these in bulk at lower prices.
Look for E500 (sodiumcarbonates), E509 (Calciumchloride) and E511 (magnesiumchloride).

Jack312 · Aug 5, 2020

brmreefer said:
Which ingredients? I am currently using the following:

Alk = Sodium Carbonate (Soda Ash). Sources include Bake "Baking Soda" to convert to Soda Ash as per Randy Holmes-Farley's Recipe instructions. I have found a Swimming Pool additive called "PH Up" by Pool Time here in the U.S. that I plan on trying, but going to go about it slow. According to the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) it does seem to be pure Sodium carbonate, but I will see if there are any ill affects on my system.

Note: I was going to use Chlorox "PH Up", but noticed on the packaging that it has a small printed text reading "*From Pool Water." Before even using it, I switched over to the Pool Time brand, but have not used it yet until I have exhausted my current supply of home made Soda Ash.

Calcium = I have been using swimming pool Calcium Hardness increaser for this parameter. I just recently switched to the Chlorox brand, and so far so good. The prior brand was HTH Calcium Hardness Increaser. According to the SDS for these, they seem to be just fine, and again...no ill affects as of yet. I been using this method for at least 6 months, if not longer.

Magnesium = I bought a small container labeled for reef tanks from BRS. I have not delved into the DIY Mg arena yet since this parameter is pretty stable. Maybe due to water changes, or high Mg salt I use...not sure.

***Please note this is all anecdotal, so take it for what its worth. Maybe others will chime in with additional info that could help.***

Apologies for long response, but wanted to provide some specifics as I think they may be important for one to make a well informed decision on what to use. Hope this helps and happy reefing.

Thank your for the reply.
The ingredients i am having trouble with are calcium carbonate dihydrate and magnesium chloride hexahydrate. The website suggest certain products however living in Australia means i have no access to American products. I have found some companies selling lab grade chemicals however the price is so high that it would be cheaper for me to just go and buy a 2 part solution from a lfs. I am hoping someone from Aus can point me in the right direction on where to source these chemicals.
cheers

blasterman · Aug 5, 2020

You don't have baking soda or calcium chloride powder in Australia?

Edit: manesium chloride is commonly used as a sidewalk de icer. So, its not going to be common in Australia for obvious reasons. Calcium chloride should be much easier to find.

I know Randy is a fan of keeping sulfate/chloride ratios even, but Epsom salts (magnesium sulfate) have worked fine for me for decades.

Salt muxes typically contain the chloride version of magnesium so when you water change it balances anyways.

Jack312 · Aug 5, 2020

MabuyaQ said:
alciumchloride) and E511 (mag

blasterman said:
You don't have baking soda or calcium chloride powder in Australia?

Edit: manesium chloride is commonly used as a sidewalk de icer. So, its not going to be common in Australia for obvious reasons. Calcium chloride should be much easier to find.

I know Randy is a fan of keeping sulfate/chloride ratios even, but Epsom salts (magnesium sulfate) have worked fine for me for decades.

Salt muxes typically contain the chloride version of magnesium so when you water change it balances anyways.

Ah i didnt realise i could use calcium chloride thats good. I can find baking soda and epsom salt easy enough. I can also find calcium chloride but only food grade would this be safe for the tank or do i need lab grade?