Which 2 part solution is the best?

Avp · Jul 18, 2011

I've been using B-Ionic 2 part calcium and alkalinity supplements for a while now. I'm almost out and was wondering what everyone else is using or would recommend before I buy a new batch. Are they all pretty much the same?

Troylee · Jul 18, 2011

i cant say what's best since i haven't used them all but i use brightwells part a,b and love it... actually use about 12 different brightwell products and they get the job done for me...

-Logzor · Jul 18, 2011

I recommend mixing your own, I use the bulk reef supply two-part. Bought it dry in 5-gallon buckets. Lasts a pretty long time, huge cost savings over the pre-mixed stuff, if you have a high-demand reef.

Dave3112 · Jul 18, 2011

+1 to the BRS 2 part!

SaltWaterDave · Jul 18, 2011

I use the BRS 2 Part and Magnesium with good results. I've also used B-Ionic, but it's a bit expensive for a larger system.

Paul_N · Jul 18, 2011

I used B-ionic, BRS and DIY by RHF and they all worked great but nothing can touch the cost of the DIY.

J Rog · Jul 18, 2011

I use BRS and does the job fine if you don't mind mixing it yourself.

BigJohnWoody · Jul 18, 2011

I used BRS as well until I switched to a calcium reactor. Always seemed to work great and is a breeze to mix.

beaslbob · Jul 18, 2011

I recommend buying your own in bulk.

repoman95 · Jul 18, 2011

If you can get your hands on the DIY stuff hands down the way to go. Second best....BRS.

Avp · Jul 18, 2011

The BRS alkalinity components are either sodium bicarbonate or soda ash? Which one is better? Also, will these last a lot longer than the b-ionic or brightwell supplements?

_sludgefactory · Jul 18, 2011

I just used baked baking soda and drive way melter. My sps blow up. I've been working off randy's directions for a couple years now.

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ed4 · Jul 18, 2011

+1 to BRS DIY 3 part

kuyatwo · Jul 18, 2011

i used to use brs till i saw that my local pool supply carries it for cheaper for the 4th of july sale they had 60 lbs of soda ash for less than $50 it is now $57

Soda Ash | Pool Adjusters | Leslie's Swimming Pool Supplies, the world leader in residential and commercial pool supplies.

I bought a 50lb bag of cachloride in a local fish club gb

Avp · Jul 20, 2011

That soda ash is basically the same stuff? You've had good luck with it?

kuyatwo said:
i used to use brs till i saw that my local pool supply carries it for cheaper for the 4th of july sale they had 60 lbs of soda ash for less than $50 it is now $57

Soda Ash | Pool Adjusters | Leslie's Swimming Pool Supplies, the world leader in residential and commercial pool supplies.

I bought a 50lb bag of cachloride in a local fish club gb

rygh · Jul 20, 2011

I buy calcium and magnesium bulk from BRS or local fish store (one stocks them) and mix myself.
I worry about the impurities on dow flake etc, so instead spend a bit more for those.
For Alk, I have high pH, so I simply buy generic baking soda from the local dollar store. $0.50/pound.

rygh · Jul 20, 2011

Side note:
There is a good article on purity of calcium supplements here:
Aquarium Chemistry: Purity Of Calcium Chloride — Advanced Aquarist's Online Magazine
That is partly why I ended up using BRS mix instead.

Avp · Jul 20, 2011

rygh said:
I buy calcium and magnesium bulk from BRS or local fish store (one stocks them) and mix myself.
I worry about the impurities on dow flake etc, so instead spend a bit more for those.
For Alk, I have high pH, so I simply buy generic baking soda from the local dollar store. $0.50/pound.

Yeah, I was thinking of doing the same. The baking soda is definately ok though, right? I have a low pH, so I was thinking of baking it first to get soda ash.