Appropriate substitutes

robs.mark · Oct 31, 2022

Hi Randy, I have read your articles over the years and would firstly like to thank you for all the work and important advice you've posted.

I have a couple of questions which I'm hoping you'd be willing to answer from me.

I've decided to revert back to dosing after a long spell on a Ca Reactor, and will be using your formula. The trouble is that I live in Western Australia and I'm struggling to find some ingredients.

I have found and purchased Calcium Chloride (food grade), and have Arm and Hammer baking Soda for alk. I have also found a bulk supplier for Sodium Bi-carbonate (I believe its intended for pools) - is this a suitable substitute?

I have also fount Epsom Salts (from pharmacy), but I'm struggling to locate magnesium chloride hexahydrate. I have however found magnesium chloride (food grade) - will this be okay as a substitute?

Many thanks,
Mark

Ron Reefman · Nov 2, 2022

I have been a big user of Randy's alternative products for tank chemistry for at least the last 15 years.

I have used both soda ash and sodium bi-carbonate from pool supply stores, both worked fine for me.

I use Epsom Salt and a snow melt product called Magflake (Magnesium chloride. I find it in South Florida used to keep dust down on clay tennis courts!

Randy Holmes-Farley · Nov 2, 2022

Food grade magnesium chloride is a good choice.

The pool bicarbonate may or maty not be suitably pure.

robs.mark · Nov 2, 2022

Ron Reefman said:
I have been a big user of Randy's alternative products for tank chemistry for at least the last 15 years.

I have used both soda ash and sodium bi-carbonate from pool supply stores, both worked fine for me.

I use Epsom Salt and a snow melt product called Magflake (Magnesium chloride. I find it in South Florida used to keep dust down on clay tennis courts!

I appreciate the response Ron. I ended up buying some Magnesium Chloride which I will use with Epson Salts for Magnesium.