DIY additives

[Kaboobie]

Is it safe to use plain old arm and hammer baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) and bake it to turn it into soda ash (sodium carbonate) or should I be seeking out a more pure source?

Also is there anything else I can DIY as far as additives go that can be found cheaply and easily (like in a grocery store)?

 

[andrewey]

Most reefers, including myself utilize food grade baking soda (like arm and hammer) as it is very safe. A smaller percentage utilize pharm grade products. It's up to you whether that distinction is worth the extra cost or not.

 

[ThePurple12]

You can use ice melt for calcium. I bought 4 bags on clearance at walmart for 75 cents each, and there are a few dosing calculators out there.

 

[Phildago]

You can use ice melt for calcium. I bought 4 bags on clearance at walmart for 75 cents each, and there are a few dosing calculators out there.

Can you please link to a calculator? I just picked up some ice melt and am planning on using 500 g/gallon

 

[ThePurple12]

Can you please link to a calculator? I just picked up some ice melt and am planning on using 500 g/gallon

Here’s the one I use

http://reef.diesyst.com/chemcalc/chemcalc.html