Randy's Two Part

[randoma]

I just recently made up some Randy's Two-Part, using Dow Flake and Soda Ash (as opposed to baked baking soda). Unfortunately, the two parts do not appear to be equal. When dosed in equal amounts, my KH is going up and my Calcium is stable or declining slightly.

So, I'm figuring I can either add water to the KH solution or add Dow Flake to the Calcium solution. However, I have no idea how much to add.

Is there a good way to test the two solutions without using an entire bottle of reagents?

I'm thinking I could take 2 1 gallon bottles of RODI and add 40.8ml of Calcium to one (which would get 400ppm) and add 7.1ml of Alkalinity to the other, which should get 10dKH? Then, by testing the actual Ca/Alk, I should be able to calculate the percentage that they're off by.

So, for example, if the Calcium solution measures out at 300ppm, I should add 25% more Dow Flake?

 

[JayM]

CS: I've always treated the 2 part as adding and testing 2 times for the 2 additives,(three if you add Mg) and never expected them to be added in the same quantity. My tank burns through Alk faster than CA, because I have just a very few SPS....so I have never added them in equal amounts...YMMV

 

[randoma]

Until this mix, I've always added them in equal proportion and never had issues...

 

[Scott]

In the article Randy specifically says to add them in equal parts, and then add the Mg when you use up a gal. of each.

Surely you guys know that, but I'm wondering why he'd make that generalization if it weren't valid. He seems to know what he's talking about.

 

[Reef55]

I am doing this same thing right now... I stopped dosing all additives, and am seeing how much cal, alk, and mag my tank consumes over a few day period. I'll then base the amount of each I need to add on that.

 

[Greg Hiller]

If you plan to use DOWflake for making a two-part calcium and alkalinity solution you might want to relent. Have a look at this discussion, and the threads referenced in it:

http://www.bostonreefers.org/forums/showthread.php?t=56321

 

[randoma]

I saw that.. However, it is the two year-old bag that I've been using all along, so I'm guessing it is okay. However, I guess I really ought to setup my calcium reactor!

 

[JCheung]

ok then does anyone have instructions on how to use mrs. wages pickeling lime? And also is mag flake still good to use?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

There is no reason to worry about MAG flake, aside from the uncertainty with any bulk chemical.

I discuss limewater use here:

What Your Grandmother Never Told You About Lime
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2005-01/rhf/index.htm