2 part CA+from BRS or other suggestions?

[pelfiredc]

Looking for-suggestionson where to purchase products for Calcium and alkalinity dosing. I have purchased from bulk reef supply in the past wasn't sure if there was a cheaper or better way. Thanks so much.

[downbeach]

Given everything that's readily available, I've found them to be the most convenient and cost effective. I used them for a long time and found it best to buy enough for a year during their holiday sales, i.e. Thanksgiving/Christmas. If I were you I would probaly just start with one of their started packss and get an idea how much you will need.

[ryeguyy84]

you could go DIY if you're into that. the alk part is easy, the Calcium part might be harder because it's summer so it would be hard to find ice melt.

[pelfiredc]

Great ty, have used in past and just ran out .......fig I'd ask around before ordering! Read something along while ago about Randy's....I think but got nervous about the ice melt thing and didn't want to mess that up. Ty again!!!!

[ryeguyy84]

I've been using the ice melt for a while now no issues but I get how you feel.

The Alk part is just baking soda that is baked for an hour or so, it's really hard to mess up. . . trust me if I can do it anyone can.

Here's the best instructional I found on DIY 2 part from my local forum

http://www.njreefers.org/showthread.php?83627-Baking-Alkalinity-Solution

[pelfiredc]

Yeah the ice melt part I wasn't sure of ....on Brand ect.. ect have a bag of it still from winter. I'd do the DIY just don't want everything DIE lol.

[pelfiredc]

Ty RG !!!!!!! I'll give it a look and shot!!!!!

[pelfiredc]

Rg seems easy ........great....now the ice melt????? Suggestions? Brand ect?

[JRR1285]

I'm about to try a product called "Leslie's hardness Plus" from a pool supply. I have a store right near my house that carries it. Here is the MSDS.

http://www.lesliesmsds.com/Document/21/82/7a6b21b8-8fb3-444d-805d-b5f5030f1c83.pdf

[ryeguyy84]

I stuck with what was recommended and used by fellow reefers so I use Prestone driveway heat.

I can't say that I haven't looked at the Leslies products, especially because they are on sale for pool season but I'm not qualified to read and fully understand the MSDS sheets so I leave that to the pros. i'm a few months (and about 3 gallons worth) into prestone and have not noticed a difference.

[ryeguyy84]

I'm about to try a product called "Leslie's hardness Plus" from a pool supply. I have a store right near my house that carries it. Here is the MSDS.

http://www.lesliesmsds.com/Document/21/82/7a6b21b8-8fb3-444d-805d-b5f5030f1c83.pdf

looking at that MSDS it seems like there is more Cal Chloride in that product. which would be a good thing. let me know how it works for you.

Here is the MSDS on the prestone product.

http://www.scotwoodindustries.com/uploads/78/original/Heat_MSDS_2009.pdf?1282170193

[bertoni]

The Leslie product might be fine. The MSDS shows nothing of concern, but it doesn't cover trace elements, like copper, that could be deadly. That said, people generally have been successful with pool products. I don't know of many horror stories. The Prestone product has been tested in the past, since it's based on Dow Flake.