Inexpensive Additive
Printed From: Utah Reefs
Category: Specialized Discussion
Forum Name: Reef Chemistry
Forum Description: A place to discuss reef chemistry.
URL: http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=42979
Printed Date: June 24 2025 at 11:59pm
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Topic: Inexpensive Additive
Posted By: SGH360
Subject: Inexpensive Additive
Date Posted: August 22 2010 at 11:39pm
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I was wondering what are inexpensive additives for this hobby, the additives im using are costing me an arm and a leg. here are what im looking for
Calcium
Alk
Magnesium
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Replies:
Posted By: Luckedout
Date Posted: August 22 2010 at 11:43pm
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I use Pickling lime for a calcium additive. It's cheap, you can buy it for 2 bucks at the grocery store. btw it's Additive not addictive. I thought this post would be about a whole different subject!  ------------- -Ben 90g Mixed reef www.body-balancechiropractic.com |
Posted By: SGH360
Date Posted: August 22 2010 at 11:48pm
| ok thx i wasnt paying attention, dont want us to get into trouble with the feds lol. pickling lime well that one down thx |
Posted By: badfinger
Date Posted: August 22 2010 at 11:55pm
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Pickling lime is kalkwasser(calcium hydroxide)..... you can use driveway heat (ice melt) for calcium (as long as its 100 percent calcium chloride). For alk you can use baking soda and soda ash... and for mag you can use epsom salt (mag sulfate) and mag chloride mixed.
I personally use kalk (cal hydroxide) and love it!... kalk maintains levels so you have to get your alk/cal levels to where you want them and then maintain them there kalk |
Posted By: SGH360
Date Posted: August 22 2010 at 11:57pm
| are there specific brand name i should look for this products? or any brand you guys use that you would recommend also probably the store i can look for them? sry for so many question |
Posted By: badfinger
Date Posted: August 23 2010 at 12:02am
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Mrs wages pickling lime.. walmart
Baking soda... walmart Soda ash.. walmart (baking soda baked in the oven) Ice melt... most stores (but I believe only certain brands should be used) epsom salt (mag sul)walmart Mag chloride??? Not sure |
Posted By: SGH360
Date Posted: August 23 2010 at 12:05am
| lucky me i have a walmart right next to me lol. thx guy for the help |
Posted By: smacky
Date Posted: September 17 2010 at 8:51am
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Soda ash is also used to dye fabrics. I'm using what I have left over from my tie-dying days before I start baking it. |
Posted By: Mark Peterson
Date Posted: September 17 2010 at 11:05am
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The ice melt must be pure Calcium Chloride. It usually comes as small prills in a plastic bottle called Prestone Driveway Heat. Instructions for mixing and using the baking soda/soda ash solution and separately the Calcium Chloride solution is discussed in the Tips thread in my signature(a few posts down into the thread).  ------------- Reefkeeping Tips, & quick, easy setup tricks: www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=9244 Pay it forward - become a paid WMAS member 
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Posted By: Lewy
Date Posted: September 17 2010 at 12:32pm
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try reading this http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-02/rhf/index.php - http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-02/rhf/index.php ------------- 40 gal w/ 20 sump |