Who makes their own two part solution?

[Daniel@R2R Verified Admin]

I know some of you reef chemists know how to make this stuff instead of paying premium prices. Do you make your own two part? What do you use and why? Do you find it less expensive to DIY than to buy in bulk?

 

[b_rad_G]

An Improved Do-it-Yourself Two-Part Calcium and Alkalinity Supplement System by Randy Holmes-Farley - Reefkeeping.com

I don't use much supplement because I dose kalk but if I did a 2 part I would follow this.

 

[redfishbluefish]

I've been a two-part-er since 2008. My alk comes from Sam's club....2 1/4 cups Arm and Hammer baking soda baked at 300 degrees for an hour made up to one gallon. My Cal comes from a 50 pound bag of Prestone Driveway Heat (less than $20)....2 cups per gallon. My MAG is a mix of 5 cups of MAG Flakes (50 lb bag; less than $20) mixed with 3 cups of Epsom salt made up to one gallon. I've never actually calculated the yearly cost of DIYing my alk and calc (and Mag), but I'd guess it is less than $10-$15 per year for a 90 gallon mixed reef tank. Everything is growing like a weed.

 

[Daniel@R2R Verified Admin]

I've been a two-part-er since 2008. My alk comes from Sam's club....2 1/4 cups Arm and Hammer baking soda baked at 300 degrees for an hour made up to one gallon. My Cal comes from a 50 pound bag of Prestone Driveway Heat (less than $20)....2 cups per gallon. My MAG is a mix of 5 cups of MAG Flakes (50 lb bag; less than $20) mixed with 3 cups of Epsom salt made up to one gallon. I've never actually calculated the yearly cost of DIYing my alk and calc (and Mag), but I'd guess it is less than $10-$15 per year for a 90 gallon mixed reef tank. Everything is growing like a weed.

An Improved Do-it-Yourself Two-Part Calcium and Alkalinity Supplement System by Randy Holmes-Farley - Reefkeeping.com

I don't use much supplement because I dose kalk but if I did a 2 part I would follow this.

Great info, guys! Thanks! Anyone else?

 

[Daniel@R2R Verified Admin]

I've been a two-part-er since 2008. My alk comes from Sam's club....2 1/4 cups Arm and Hammer baking soda baked at 300 degrees for an hour made up to one gallon. My Cal comes from a 50 pound bag of Prestone Driveway Heat (less than $20)....2 cups per gallon. My MAG is a mix of 5 cups of MAG Flakes (50 lb bag; less than $20) mixed with 3 cups of Epsom salt made up to one gallon. I've never actually calculated the yearly cost of DIYing my alk and calc (and Mag), but I'd guess it is less than $10-$15 per year for a 90 gallon mixed reef tank. Everything is growing like a weed.

Where do you get MAG flakes? What are they? Also, I've heard of using the driveway heat...but been afraid I'd buy the wrong kind. LOL Is there a special kind we should get (or kinds we should avoid)? This definitely sounds like an affordable method!

 

[redfishbluefish]

Where do you get MAG flakes? What are they?

MAG flakes is an ice melt product. It is magnesium chloride. I found this at a True Value Hardware store in 2008....during the colder months.

 

[b_rad_G]

Mag flake is hard to find. I looked all winter and couldn't find it locally so I turned to eBay. I think I got 20# for 26$....anyways its enough to make like 8 gallons of mix. You can also use Epson salt and it is recommended to use mag flake and Epson to keep a ion balanced additive. A bag of mag flake will last the normal person forever.

When I eventually run out of reef builder I will use baked baking soda. Any food grade will work fine.

The calcium chloride is hard to find. A lot of people say the driveway heat has changed formulas and is "iffy" now. Pool based sources could be better product.

 

[beaslbob]

see that thread also:
https://www.reef2reef.com/forums/reef-chemistry-forum/39332-do-yourself-two-part-links.html

baking soda and epsom salts from grocery/drug stores.

calcium chloride is used to speed hardening of concrete in cold weather. check out your local redimix

magnesium chloride is harder to find as stated above.

I finally found it and the calcium chloride at a local industiral chemical supplier.


my .02