DIY Balling Method Recipe

[Waldek M.]

Dissolve 7¼ cups (1,285g) of magnesium chloride hexahydrate and 3/4 cups (128g) of Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate heptahydrate) in enough water to make one gallon.

I mix magnesium chloride with the calcium part and give it that way, but can I also add Epsom salt there and give it all together?

 

[Miami Reef]

I mix magnesium chloride with the calcium part and give it that way, but can I also add Epsom salt there and give it all together?

Nope because it will precipitate as calcium sulfate.

To do it that way (a true 2 part), you’d need to add sodium sulfate with the alk part.

In your 2 part recipe, you’d receive all the magnesium from magnesium chloride and all the sulfate from sodium sulfate.

This thread has all the info on that recipe: https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/new-diy-two-part-recipes-with-higher-ph-boost.344500/



Note that the method outlined in this thread with Balling is most optimal for maintaining seawater integrity.

 

[Waldek M.]

Thanks

 

[dtv0893]

I'm currently dosing Aquaforest Balling, gonna switch from Comp2+

The Balling DIY supplement recipe utilize a 1:1:1 dosing ratio to maintain proper alkalinity. For instance, if you require 50 mL of the alkalinity solution, you should also add 50 mL of Calcium and Balling.

Alkalinity (Choose One) :​

Option 1: Converting Baking Soda (Sodium bicarbonate) into Soda Ash (Sodium carbonate) at home:

Spread 594 grams (approximately two ¼ cups) of Baking Soda on a baking tray. Heat in an oven at 300°F for one hour. This process drives off water and carbon dioxide; overheating is not a concern. Dissolve the resulting solid in enough water to make 1 gallon total of Soda Ash.
Source


If you purchased pre-made Soda Ash, it is 375g per gallon.


Option 2: Sodium Hydroxide (Lye)


Add 283 grams of food-grade sodium hydroxide to 1 gallon of fresh water. It will get quite warm. Make sure it doesn't soften your container. This solution will contain about 1,900 meq/L of alkalinity (5,300 dKH). There is no alkalinity additive that has a greater pH boost than hydroxides.


BE CAREFUL WITH THIS SOLUTION: IT HAS A pH ABOVE 14. Do not get it in your eyes or on your skin. Keep all reef chemicals, especially this alk part, in a way that children or pets cannot access them.
Source


*You can add Tropic Marin A- Trace Elements to either Alkalinity part.

Calcium:​

Dissolve 500 grams (about 2 ½ cups) of calcium chloride dihydrate (such as Dowflake 77-80% calcium chloride or ESV calcium chloride; see below for substitutes and sources) in enough water to make 1 gallon of total volume. You can dissolve it in about ½ gallon of water, and then pour that into the 1 gallon container and fill it to the top with more freshwater. This solution has about 37,000 ppm calcium.
Source


Note: If you use an anhydrous or monohydrate calcium chloride (such as Dow Mini-Pellets, Kent's Turbo Calcium, Prestone Driveway Heat or Peladow Calcium Chloride), then you should use about 20% (1/5) less solid calcium chloride by volume to make the recipe. Note that the solution will get quite hot when dissolving anhydrous calcium chloride. See the section on substitutions for further information.
Source

*You can add Tropic Marin K+ Trace Elements to the Calcium part.

Balling Method (Choose One) : ​

Option 1: Tropic Marin Balling Part C

Dissolve 182 grams (about seven scoops) in enough RO/DI or purified water to make one gallon total volume.


Tropic Marin’s instructions are for concentrations 50% weaker, so I’ve appropriately doubled it to equal 1:1:1 dosing.



Option 2: Aquaforest Mineral Salt

Dissolve 189 grams in enough RO/DI or purified water to make one gallon total volume.

Aquaforest’s instructions are for solutions 50% weaker, so I’ve appropriately doubled it to equal 1:1:1 dosing.

Magnesium 10:1 Ratio:​

Dissolve 7¼ cups (1,285g) of magnesium chloride hexahydrate and 3/4 cups (128g) of Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate heptahydrate) in enough water to make one gallon.


Dosing Instructions for Magnesium:

Dose at 5.4% of the volume used for the other parts. For every gallon of other solutions used, add 203 mL of the magnesium mix.

Update 3/8/25
You can add this magnesium part (203mL) into the Balling Part. It will dissolve, which makes this a true three-part.

We must supplement the extra magnesium because The Balling Method only has enough to offset ionic imbalance, not consumption.

The 10:1 ratio is the chloride-to-sulfate ratio of normal seawater, which is necessary for this recipe.




If anyone has further questions, please feel free to ask in this thread.

I'm currently using the Aquaforest Balling method and planning to switch from Comp2+ to sodium hydroxide to raise pH. I will continue using Comp1+ (calcium part) and Comp3+ (magnesium part), dosing all three in a 1:1:1 ratio. May I ask for your opinion on this? Is it safe to do?

 

[Miami Reef]

I'm currently dosing Aquaforest Balling, gonna switch from Comp2+

I'm currently using the Aquaforest Balling method and planning to switch from Comp2+ to sodium hydroxide to raise pH. I will continue using Comp1+ (calcium part) and Comp3+ (magnesium part), dosing all three in a 1:1:1 ratio. May I ask for your opinion on this? Is it safe to do?

Yes, it’s safe to use.

There is one small caveat: Comp2+ uses sodium bicarbonate, and is only half as strong as the recipe in the original post. As a result, the corresponding Comp1+ and Comp3+ solutions will also be 50% weaker.

The fix is simple: prepare the sodium hydroxide version using 142g per gallon. This will match the alkalinity strength of Comp2+.

 

[dtv0893]

Yes, it’s safe to use.

There is one small caveat: Comp2+ uses sodium bicarbonate, and is only half as strong as the recipe in the original post. As a result, the corresponding Comp1+ and Comp3+ solutions will also be 50% weaker.

The fix is simple: prepare the sodium hydroxide version using 142g per gallon. This will match the alkalinity strength of Comp2+.

- Thanks! I switched to sodium hydroxide, which is >=99% pure (the manufacturer said so), and I dosed the same amount as with Comp2+. The next morning, the dKH level went up from 7.8 to 8.3, so I need to dilute it a bit more.

- I have another question: You didn’t mention trace elements in the first post, so I guess it’s fine to remove Aquaforest Components Strong (the ABCK bottles) from the dosing solutions and just keep Reef Mineral Salt in the magnesium part? And then replenish trace elements just through water changes?

​

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

- I have another question: You didn’t mention trace elements in the first post, so I guess it’s fine to remove Aquaforest Components Strong (the ABCK bottles) from the dosing solutions and just keep Reef Mineral Salt in the magnesium part? And then replenish trace elements just through water changes?

​

Water changes won’t maintain trace elements at levels in the salt mix. Foods will also add some, but in general, I’d look to some sort of additional supplementation. Tropic Marin A and K is a fine way to go.

 

[Miami Reef]

I have another question: You didn’t mention trace elements in the first post

I did mention it. :)

It is below the corresponding alkalinity and calcium sections.

*You can add Tropic Marin A- Trace Elements to either Alkalinity part.

*You can add Tropic Marin K+ Trace Elements to the Calcium part.

 

[dtv0893]

I did mention it. :)

It is below the corresponding alkalinity and calcium sections.

Water changes won’t maintain trace elements at levels in the salt mix. Foods will also add some, but in general, I’d look to some sort of additional supplementation. Tropic Marin A and K is a fine way to go.

I see, thank you both.
After a few adjustments, my Alk level stayed at 7,9 dKh (close to TM pro salt mixes at 33~33,5 ppt). In my case, with 142g NaOH/gallon,the dosing amount was reduced from 67,2 ml to 49ml (27,09% reduction), so 27,09% reduction of 142g equal to 104g NaOH/gallon. I have mild OCD so not being able to achieve a 1:1:1 ratio makes me annoyed :zany-face:.

TM A- and K+ are a bit hard to find in my area. Aquaforest Comp Strong is easier to buy. With Aquaforest Comp Strong, the Calcium and Magnesium parts will stay intact. But will Comp C (which contains iodide and fluoride, and is used together with Aquaforest KH Buffer) interact with NaOH?

If I'm able to buy and swtich to TM A- and K+, dilute them to Cal and Alk part, what would the dosage be?

 

[Miami Reef]

I’m having trouble understanding why you reduced the concentration of the alk solution.

You’d dose equal parts of each solution based on the alk demand.

So you’d make the alk recipe as stated and let that dose lead the way.

So you’d reduce the amount of calcium and balling to match the alk demand. It should be 1:1:1

Am I missing something?

 

[KStatefan]

I see, thank you both.
After a few adjustments, my Alk level stayed at 7,9 dKh (close to TM pro salt mixes at 33~33,5 ppt). In my case, with 142g NaOH/gallon,the dosing amount was reduced from 67,2 ml to 49ml (27,09% reduction), so 27,09% reduction of 142g equal to 104g NaOH/gallon. I have mild OCD so not being able to achieve a 1:1:1 ratio makes me annoyed :zany-face:.

When you mixed the 142 g to make 1 gallon of Alk solution it was balanced 1:1:1 with the other products.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Neither fluoride nor iodide will react with NaOH.

Any dilution of iodide and exposure to the air risks it changing from iodide to iodate, but that is not necessarily a problem.

 

[saltcreep74]

The Balling DIY supplement recipe utilize a 1:1:1 dosing ratio to maintain proper alkalinity. For instance, if you require 50 mL of the alkalinity solution, you should also add 50 mL of Calcium and Balling.

Alkalinity (Choose One) :​

Option 1: Converting Baking Soda (Sodium bicarbonate) into Soda Ash (Sodium carbonate) at home:

Spread 594 grams (approximately two ¼ cups) of Baking Soda on a baking tray. Heat in an oven at 300°F for one hour. This process drives off water and carbon dioxide; overheating is not a concern. Dissolve the resulting solid in enough water to make 1 gallon total of Soda Ash.
Source


If you purchased pre-made Soda Ash, it is 375g per gallon.


Option 2: Sodium Hydroxide (Lye)


Add 283 grams of food-grade sodium hydroxide to 1 gallon of fresh water. It will get quite warm. Make sure it doesn't soften your container. This solution will contain about 1,900 meq/L of alkalinity (5,300 dKH). There is no alkalinity additive that has a greater pH boost than hydroxides.


BE CAREFUL WITH THIS SOLUTION: IT HAS A pH ABOVE 14. Do not get it in your eyes or on your skin. Keep all reef chemicals, especially this alk part, in a way that children or pets cannot access them.
Source


*You can add Tropic Marin A- Trace Elements to either Alkalinity part.

Calcium:​

Dissolve 500 grams (about 2 ½ cups) of calcium chloride dihydrate (such as Dowflake 77-80% calcium chloride or ESV calcium chloride; see below for substitutes and sources) in enough water to make 1 gallon of total volume. You can dissolve it in about ½ gallon of water, and then pour that into the 1 gallon container and fill it to the top with more freshwater. This solution has about 37,000 ppm calcium.
Source


Note: If you use an anhydrous or monohydrate calcium chloride (such as Dow Mini-Pellets, Kent's Turbo Calcium, Prestone Driveway Heat or Peladow Calcium Chloride), then you should use about 20% (1/5) less solid calcium chloride by volume to make the recipe. Note that the solution will get quite hot when dissolving anhydrous calcium chloride. See the section on substitutions for further information.
Source

*You can add Tropic Marin K+ Trace Elements to the Calcium part.

Balling Method (Choose One) : ​

Option 1: Tropic Marin Balling Part C

Dissolve 182 grams (about seven scoops) in enough RO/DI or purified water to make one gallon total volume.


Tropic Marin’s instructions are for concentrations 50% weaker, so I’ve appropriately doubled it to equal 1:1:1 dosing.



Option 2: Aquaforest Mineral Salt

Dissolve 189 grams in enough RO/DI or purified water to make one gallon total volume.

Aquaforest’s instructions are for solutions 50% weaker, so I’ve appropriately doubled it to equal 1:1:1 dosing.

Magnesium 10:1 Ratio:​

Dissolve 7¼ cups (1,285g) of magnesium chloride hexahydrate and 3/4 cups (128g) of Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate heptahydrate) in enough water to make one gallon.


Dosing Instructions for Magnesium:

Dose at 5.4% of the volume used for the other parts. For every gallon of other solutions used, add 203 mL of the magnesium mix.

Update 3/8/25
You can add this magnesium part (203mL) into the Balling Part. It will dissolve, which makes this a true three-part.

We must supplement the extra magnesium because The Balling Method only has enough to offset ionic imbalance, not consumption.

The 10:1 ratio is the chloride-to-sulfate ratio of normal seawater, which is necessary for this recipe.




If anyone has further questions, please feel free to ask in this thread.

Thank you @Miami Reef for posting this...very useful. What is the recommended starting dosage for a mixed reef. I have an 80 gal MR keeping up my parameters with weekly water changes and I would now like to keep up my CAL/ALK/MAG dosing using this recipe.

According to Randy's improved DIY 2 part recipe, he recommends the following:

Tank Description:	Suggested Starting Doses:​
	Recipe #1​	Recipe #2​
Fish-only with live rock	0.1 mL/gallon​	0.2 mL/gallon​
New tank, few corals	0.2 mL/gallon​	0.4 mL/gallon​
Low demand	0.3 mL/gallon​	0.6 mL/gallon​
Mixed tank	0.5 mL/gallon​	1 mL/gallon​
Heavy demand (SPS corals)	1 mL/gallon​	2 mL/gallon​

Given my situation, is it safe to assume that I should be dosing 80ml of CAL/ALK using your recipe? Also, im a little confused on your recommended starting dosage for the Mag part "Dose at 5.4% of the volume used for the other parts. For every gallon of other solutions used, add 203 mL of the magnesium mix" can you explain this a little more using my example?

 

[Miami Reef]

Also, im a little confused on your recommended starting dosage for the Mag part "Dose at 5.4% of the volume used for the other parts. For every gallon of other solutions used, add 203 mL of the magnesium mix" can you explain this a little more using my example?

Sure. I just changed the wording a bit in the first post. Having all the information crystal clear is super important to me.

Here is the new, clearer version:

Magnesium 10:1 Ratio:​

Dissolve 7¼ cups (1,285g) of magnesium chloride hexahydrate and 3/4 cups (128g) of Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate heptahydrate) in enough water to make one gallon.


Dosing Instructions for Magnesium:

For every gallon of other solutions used, add 203 mL of the magnesium mix.

Update 3/8/25
You can add this magnesium part (203mL) into the Balling Part. It will dissolve, which makes this a true three-part.

Basically, add 203mL of the magnesium solution in the Balling Part C.

If there are any more questions, feel free to ask. :)

 

[Miami Reef]

Thank you @Miami Reef for posting this...very useful. What is the recommended starting dosage for a mixed reef. I have an 80 gal MR keeping up my parameters with weekly water changes and I would now like to keep up my CAL/ALK/MAG dosing using this recipe.

According to Randy's improved DIY 2 part recipe, he recommends the following:

@Randy Holmes-Farley

What do you suggest when someone is just starting out, but doesn’t know how much to dose?

I was going to suggest not dosing for a day, then calculate the consumption rate.

Do you have any recommendations or a better way you’d suggest? Thanks.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

@Randy Holmes-Farley

What do you suggest when someone is just starting out, but doesn’t know how much to dose?

I was going to suggest not dosing for a day, then calculate the consumption rate.

Do you have any recommendations or a better way you’d suggest? Thanks.

There are two basic ways to start, and neither is perfect.

1. Dose nothing for a day or two, measure the alk decline (not calcium or magnesium) and then start dosing at that measured level, expecting the real number will likely be higher since consumption declines as alk declines.

2. Make a guess, and start at that level, recognizing that the final need may be higher or lower.

I personally think the second works better, but most folks suggest #1. I will use #2 when I think I need to start up AFR in my tank.

 

[Robinson]

Hello @Miami Reef,

Question, what about using the BRS pharma magnesium mix (magnesium chloride / magnesium sulfate) to be added to the part c. Could this work? And if yes, how much we need to add?

Thanks.

 

[Miami Reef]

Hello @Miami Reef,

Question, what about using the BRS pharma magnesium mix (magnesium chloride / magnesium sulfate) to be added to the part c. Could this work? And if yes, how much we need to add?

Thanks.

Use the BRS “general mix” magnesium version; it contains the seawater ratio which this recipe requires.

Pharma Magnesium Mix for General Adjustments

Ultra Pure Magnesium Additive for General Adjustments in your Reef Tank! Maintaining proper magnesium levels helps achieve the essential balance of calcium and alkalinity in your tank by preventing excess calcium carbonate precipitation. Not all magnesium additives are created equal and the...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

The instructions in the first post is the same: add 203mL of that magnesium mix solution into the total volume of the Balling Part.

 

[Robinson]

Use the BRS “general mix” magnesium version; it contains the seawater ratio which this recipe requires.

Pharma Magnesium Mix for General Adjustments

Ultra Pure Magnesium Additive for General Adjustments in your Reef Tank! Maintaining proper magnesium levels helps achieve the essential balance of calcium and alkalinity in your tank by preventing excess calcium carbonate precipitation. Not all magnesium additives are created equal and the...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

The instructions in the first post is the same: add 203mL of that magnesium mix solution into the total volume of the Balling Part.

Thanks!!

 

[Val Shebeko]

Going to try mixing up my own 3 part using the recipes posted by Clam Fanatic. Went off to source chemicals an my question is.

Can Magnesium sulfate a Magnesium sulfate hept

Use the BRS “general mix” magnesium version; it contains the seawater ratio which this recipe requires.

Pharma Magnesium Mix for General Adjustments

Ultra Pure Magnesium Additive for General Adjustments in your Reef Tank! Maintaining proper magnesium levels helps achieve the essential balance of calcium and alkalinity in your tank by preventing excess calcium carbonate precipitation. Not all magnesium additives are created equal and the...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

The instructions in the first post is the same: add 203mL of that magnesium mix solution into the total volume of the Balling Part.

following your three part recipe and have a four part question.

I see both MAGNESIUM CHLORIDE and MAGNESIUM CHLORIDE HEXAHYDRATE . Can they be used interchangeably?

Same goes for Epsom Salts, I see MAGNESIUM SULFATE and MAGNESIUM SULFATE HEPTAHYDRATE are these interchangeable ?

Really love my tank and would rather not kill or distress everyone in it.

Thank you.