DIY Barium additive

[Heiwald]

Hi,

Is it possible to mix your own Barium additive?

I seem to have chronically low barium in my system. From what I understand, it’s because Fauna Marin Balling Light doesn’t add enough as it’s designed to be used with zeolite media that should add Barium to the system.

I need to add more than one of their bottles to correct the value.

Any help is greatly appreciated

PS: A DIY Chromium additive would be nice too, I use that quite a bit as well.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

I personally would not dose barium to any aquarium as it has no known biological role in any known organism.

That said, a DIY is easy, using barium chloride, but most Amazon sources don't specify purity. One Reagent grade is more expensive, but does have a purity standard. Still, you aren't going to be dosing much. The recipe will depend on the hydrate state you buy.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Here's a discussion on chromium:

How to source Chromium, Fluorine, and Selenium

I am zeroing in on my DIY trace element potion.....Does anyone have any tips on how to best buy Chromium, Fluorine, and Selenium. I am kinda striking out on finding actual chemical sources......I have found supplements but I want to avoid buying supplements because I don't know what additional...

www.reef2reef.com

 

[Heiwald]

So, in your opinion, I should just leave it alone and let Barium go to zero?
According to my latest ICP Barium should be at 3.63 µg/l now. Water volume is 720 liters / 190 gallons.

I can get Barium Chloride dihydrate where I buy chemicals.

Barium Chloride Dihydrate (CAS 10326-27-9)

Buy Barium Chloride Dihydrate (CAS 10326-27-9)? Available in different packaging and of high quality. Quantity discount!

www.laboratoriumdiscounter.nl

Barium chloride dihydrate ≥99 %, p.a., ACS, ISO

www.laboratoriumdiscounter.nl

I would will contact them to know the impurities. They only seem to list them on the containers, not the web page.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

So, in your opinion, I should just leave it alone and let Barium go to zero?
According to my latest ICP Barium should be at 3.63 µg/l now. Water volume is 720 liters / 190 gallons.

I can get Barium Chloride dihydrate where I buy chemicals.

Barium Chloride Dihydrate (CAS 10326-27-9)

Buy Barium Chloride Dihydrate (CAS 10326-27-9)? Available in different packaging and of high quality. Quantity discount!

www.laboratoriumdiscounter.nl

Barium chloride dihydrate ≥99 %, p.a., ACS, ISO

www.laboratoriumdiscounter.nl

I would will contact them to know the impurities. They only seem to list them on the containers, not the web page.

I do not know if it will decline, but I'd totally ignore it. In my tank with no intentional additions it was 8.5 ug/L the one time I had it tested.

 

[Heiwald]

I do not know if it will decline, but I'd totally ignore it. In my tank with no intentional additions it was 8.5 ug/L the one time I had it tested.

It is declining over time in my system. I rarely do water changes, but do correctional doses as much as possible. I have been dosing it, but a Fauna Marin bottle is only 250ml and I needed 400ml til correct it this time according to their directions. It’s becoming a money pit to buy their fancy bottles.