DIY 2 Part Calc/Alk - Where to get?

[ScottyDon't]

Well, it looks like my kalk reactor isn't going to be able to keep up with my calc/alk demands. I'll prob end up getting a calcium reactor eventually but for now I'd like to try Randy's DIY 2 part. I know there's been a few threads on this but has anyone compiled a list of local places to get these ingredients?

[Darryl_V]

I think you can get Dow Flakes at HD. As for baking soda and epsom salts you can get those pretty much anywhere.

[Atomikk]

I never seen Dow Flake at Home Depot (did about 20hrs in there looking for it once.. well it felt like 20hrs). Give Chrismo a PM.

[Atomikk]

Dow Flake = Chrismo
Baking Soda (Arm & Hammer) = Grocery Store/Shoppers
Magnesium (Epsom Salts) = Shoppers

[ScottyDon't]

How about magnesium chloride?
And what are epsom salts normally used for?

[Atomikk]

uhhhhhh... Magnesium Sulfate = Epsom Salts..... Used for baths...

I know Magnesium Chloride is better but I dont know what product is only Magnesium Chloride...

[Kenzy]

This is what I've been using for magnesium chloride,

http://www.aquariumpros.ca/photopost/data/500/medium/24maymisc05_014_Small_.jpg (javascript:;)

Its been working great for over a year now.

Go to the pool supply section at Rona and it should be there. Costs ~$10 for 4kg.

[Chrismo]

Randy reccomended and tested Dowflake for the calcium, and for Magnesium, either epson salts, (Magnesium Sulphate) or Magflakes, Magnesium Chloride).

The Magnesium Chloride is a slightly better formula, but I havent got any yet, and still have lots of epson salts, so I havent bothered to pick any up yet. Epson salts are used for soaking your feet I think, and in baths. A 5 500g bag of Life brand Epson salts cost $5 ad should be enough for 24 finished gallons or so of DIY calcium additive. :)

There is a place in Pickering called InnovationCmpany http://www.innovativecompany.com/dustdry.asp that sells the dowflake for sure... It's $17? for a 40 pound bag I think? I think they also sell MAG flake, but you'd have to phone and see.

If someone gives me half a bag of MAG flake, I'll give them half a bag of DOWflake.

I believe that these untested brands mght be just as pure and safe as the ones Randy tested, but was afraid to try.

I've been using this recipe for a while now, and like it lots.

I've filmed a little DIY Video that shows how to make it, I'm just editing it as we speak, so it'll be up tomorrow.

Chris

[Kenzy]

EDIT: that should say calcium chloride not magnesium chloride above.

[Atomikk]

yeah it did look like calcium chloride to me.

[Chrismo]

Ok I put a instructional video on http://www.reefvideos.com that shows shows how you make it. It's a 6 min video.

It's the same info as in the article Randy wrote here: http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-02/rhf/index.php

Maybe watching me do it will help people realize ANY idiot can make it. :)

Chris

[Atomikk]

Great Video Chris. Its exactly how I do my two part additive. I add roughly 24 oz (i think, i have to check my calc) of Cal Chlor, and something like 370 g of Baking Soda. I used 2L bottles instead of the 1.89L.

[Darryl_V]

Salt water has salt in it...go figure....hahaha I love that part

[ScottyDon't]

Ok, Rayjay mentioned a place called Univar in another post. I called them and they have... technical grade 77 calcium chloride flake (unkown brand), DOW 94-97 calcium chloride pellet, and they do carry Dead Sea Works magnesium chloride but they're currently out of stock. There are Univars in TO also.

[Schlesien]

I wonder where do you guys get dowflakes. Pickering is a little bit too far for me since I live in Hamilton. Do you guys know about any other places that carry that product.

Thanks in advance!

[LUIGI]

I would take a few pounds of Magnesium chloride if you guys get some

[Schlesien]

Luigi, did you get Dow Flakes? If so, where did you get them from