Cheap/alternate source for calcium chloride?

[Big E]

Yes I don't use the Mag recipe because it never gets depleted and my water changes keep it stable.

This is since 2008 I've never had to dose Mg. As long as the salt you're using has a good Mg level you're fine.

I've had Mg test kits expire as I would check only a few times a year and it was always good.

 

[bishoptf]

Yes I don't use the Mag recipe because it never gets depleted and my water changes keep it stable.

This is since 2008 I've never had to dose Mg. As long as the salt you're using has a good Mg level you're fine.

I've had Mg test kits expire as I would check only a few times a year and it was always good.

I know I am bumping an old thread but I'd like to know what salt you are using and how often and how much you are changing. I've been dosing A4R and been toying with just going 2 part, but still trying to find a cheaper calcium chloride source.

 

[jda]

Dowflake can often be found at tennis, turf or golf supply places... or other spots that need it for lush grassy turf. My local Ace got in a bag for me, but I had to go and order it... took a week, or so.

 

[bishoptf]

Dowflake can often be found at tennis, turf or golf supply places... or other spots that need it for lush grassy turf. My local Ace got in a bag for me, but I had to go and order it... took a week, or so.

Yeah my problem is I really need smaller quantities, I have nano tanks and 50lb bag is just overkill for me since I have to find somewhere to store it etc...My main goal is I am thinking of switching to IO and I want to raise MG and CA, so that would be the main purpose. Right now I am dosing A4R and thats pretty stable and may switch to 2 part but I dunno just trying to find a consistent salt. IO is close but has a higher Alk than I run but I know how to lower it if needed and I have MG so its just the calcium part that I was trying to find a lower cost option...

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Yeah my problem is I really need smaller quantities, I have nano tanks and 50lb bag is just overkill for me since I have to find somewhere to store it etc...My main goal is I am thinking of switching to IO and I want to raise MG and CA, so that would be the main purpose. Right now I am dosing A4R and thats pretty stable and may switch to 2 part but I dunno just trying to find a consistent salt. IO is close but has a higher Alk than I run but I know how to lower it if needed and I have MG so its just the calcium part that I was trying to find a lower cost option...

Some folks successfully use Prestone Driveway Heat.

 

[bishoptf]

Some folks successfully use Prestone Driveway Heat.

Yeah still not sure I trust it but that is an option, another one is Damp-rid - https://damprid.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/DampRid-Moisture-Absorbers-12-03-2019-SDS.pdf I think I may trust that one before Prestone but I may just go food grade....

 

[Big E]

I know I am bumping an old thread but I'd like to know what salt you are using and how often and how much you are changing. I've been dosing A4R and been toying with just going 2 part, but still trying to find a cheaper calcium chloride source.

I do 10% weekly on dominant Acro systems using standard IO. I have never had to dose Mg as IO fresh mixed currently tests over 1300.
The only element I do add it K as it reads 350-360. I boost it up to 400.

I use baking soda from Aldis or other grocery stores when they have Arm & Hammer on sale. It cost me 50-70 cents for a pound. So were talking about 70 cents max for a gallon of alk solution.

A few months ago I bought a 25 pound bag of Peladow from Amazon for $35.
The 50 lb. bag is less per pound .You can break it into smaller batches. and store in a plastic bag and then into an old IO bucket. The main thing is just to make sure no moisture gets in.

If you time it by buying it during the winter season it's usually the best deal.

 

[Roloilly]

I would like to know if this is still save to use as an alternative to BRS? Not sure if the formula has changed and other added chemicals are in it that may harm my tank. Please see picture attached.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I do not know for sure.

 

[Roloilly]

Also have this option available.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I'd elect the Dowflake, but two things:

1. use less than the standard Dowflake recipe since it has less moisture in it (multiply amount needed by 0,.9)
2. A number of years ago, Dow allowed the bromide level to increase in Dowflake. I'd be careful if you do few or no water changes, but should be fine with regular changes.

 

[Roloilly]

I'd elect the Dowflake, but two things:

1. use less than the standard Dowflake recipe since it has less moisture in it (multiply amount needed by 0,.9)
2. A number of years ago, Dow allowed the bromide level to increase in Dowflake. I'd be careful if you do few or no water changes, but should be fine with regular changes.

Thank you!!