Using 2 part manually?

[MizTanks]

I would like to have it on-hand if and when I start.

[Wy Renegade]

LOL, guess I get to give the first input. I've only used the ESV, so can't speak to the rest at all.

[MizTanks]

Guess I shouldn't have made this into a poll-ahdah!

What is a B-Ionic system?

Thanks Wy

[Wy Renegade]

Originally Posted by MizTanks

Guess I shouldn't have made this into a poll-ahdah!

What is a B-Ionic system?

Thanks Wy

Well B-Ionic is just the name of their two part additives, I assume because both the calcium and the alk substance are being added as chemical ions.

The first part adjusts your calcium, the second adjust alkalinity. From what I've read, the B-Ionic is more expensive than some of the others, but it also contains some of the trace elements, which the cheaper two parts do not.

[MizTanks]

I looked up the ESV and it's not that expensive. So since my cal is 440 and my kh is 9 would you recommend me using the 2 part in order to keep these reading consistent? I've always depended upon my salt to do this. However now that my corals are increasing (couple of sps) I don't want to worry about these levels dropping off.

[cephalotus]

I use Aqua Vitro, so I can not participate in your poll.

[Wy Renegade]

Originally Posted by MizTanks

I looked up the ESV and it's not that expensive. So since my cal is 440 and my kh is 9 would you recommend me using the 2 part in order to keep these reading consistent? I've always depended upon my salt to do this. However now that my corals are increasing (couple of sps) I don't want to worry about these levels dropping off.

I would recommend that you use it with caution initially, and only if you are seeing a drop in your levels. Never dose anything without testing. If you are doing frequent enough water changes, you really shouldn't need it. With a big enough SPS load however, even two part may not be enough to keep up with the demand and you may need to supplement (don't think you are in this boat yet Jamie, just saying in general).

[Tom@HaslettMI]

I make my own 2 part solutions. My computer crashed, so I don't have the link to making it... but if you google "Randy Holmes-Farley DIY 2 part dosing" (or something like that) you should get to it pretty quickly. It's easy to do and will save you a lot of money.

HTH,
Tom

[Chris]

Making it urself like Tom said above is definitely the cheapest way of doing it.... plan on doing it this way myself soon.

[rosebud161616]

You don't have the BRS option in your poll, or I would have chosen then. I have used ESV in the past and really liked it, just the BRS 2 part that you mix yourself is much cheaper.