DIY chemical solutions

[Turkeysammich]

Hello.
Over the years and years. I’ve been slowly logging DIY chemical solutions. Before I go through all my notes and put them all together. Is there any interest in this ? If not. I really don’t want to waste my time and effort if it’s gonna fall on deaf ears. It would be nice if anyone has other solutions too add also. Dunno why it’s not shared more as it’s a huge cost savings. But maybe people not secure enough in doing so and rather buy expensive brands in a bottle. Any interest ?

 

[tribbitt]

I would love to see what you’re using.

I use DIY solutions as well, baking soda, driveway ice melt, bath salt, etc

 

[PizzaOven]

Definitely interested. I think many like myself would also like to learn how to save some $$$

 

[Chrism1330]

All ears!

 

[MichaelB]

I'm interested for a general reefing knowledge aspect. So far I've been to nervous to trust anything i personally made so far as dosing them into my main tank or frag tank. I'm definitely always intrested in. Learning new hacks and methods. I will of course be following along.

So far I'm just using AFR, esv 2 part for corrections and forbidden elixer from coral hub. If i ever reached a point where those are to costly or not viable I would than consider other diy options.

As of now I haven't found encountered any problems with the current stuff I'm using. So my thoughts are why fix something unless it's broken.

This though would be great for members to have access to with so much unreliable information online. Hard to sort through all the information overload of what's legit and what is more of a risk to nuking your tank than the benefit of potential savings.

 

[ReyDeFarts]

I am currently running DIY recipes off Randy Holmes-Farley from R2R.
Alk (sodium hydroxide) - Very potent and very inexpensive. Actually free in my case.
Mag - Magnesium chloride and magnesium sulfate

Next DIY solution will be calcium chloride. But I have a couple gallons of ESV to get through first.

 

[Alexander1312]

Interesting topic.

The only non-reef taxed product I buy at the moment is sulfamic acid.

 

[newfly]

Is Arms and Hammer Baking Soda safe for reef?

 

[Turkeysammich]

Is Arms and Hammer Baking Soda safe for reef?

Hey Johnny.
Short answer. Yes. I’ve used it for years and years. It’s not pure. It’s good enough. While others may disagree. Keep in mind that aquarium companies do not make chemicals. It’s all out sourced.

 

[Chrism1330]

Is Arms and Hammer Baking Soda safe for reef?

Just make sure you dont get it confused for baking powder.

If you wanna learn how to make alk heres a link to Randy Holmes Farley instructions

https://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-02/rhf/index.php

 

[CaseyP]

Would love to hear your DIY solutions and experiences. These are the one's I've made and used:

DIY NoPox for carbondosing
Recipe: 500ml vinegar (5%), 375 ml vodka (80 proof), and 125 ml RODI Water
Experience: Worked well at reducing NO3 and PO4 when I had elevated levels. 55ppm to 35ppm and .9ppm to .5ppm over 3 weeks. I did get a bunch of cyano though in lower flow areas

Nitrate solution
Useful calculator for creating a solution strength and its effect on ppm in your tank volume http://www.theplantedtank.co.uk/calculator.htm
Potassium Nitrate (KNO3) https://greenleafaquariums.com/products/gla-potassium-nitrate-kno3-aquarium-fertilizer-1lb-bag.html

Phosphate solution
Same calculator as for nitrate
Potassium Phosphate (KH2PO3) https://greenleafaquariums.com/prod...phate-kh2po4-aquarium-fertilizer-1lb-bag.html

 

[Darkxerox]

Is Arms and Hammer Baking Soda safe for reef?

I've used it for 25+ years, no issue. Just don't use the box that's been soaking up your fridge funk.