So I got a couple bags of
GetTanked Formula 2 (25g) from Jan. I mixed up two bags to make 50g yesterday @ 1.026. The Formula 2 is for Ultra Low Nutrient systems (typically those running the Zeo Method) so I knew its alkalinity would be low but I wanted to try it out and to have a second person testing the same batch since Jan got some pretty over-the-top results for magnesium.
We also were intending to try the version that does not have the sodium chloride shipped with it as a cost savings method, in which we get that locally. This could potentially save us 40%+ on shipping costs.
From the web site:
Description of Formula # 2:
Natural Seawater Levels
For Ultra Low Nutrient Systems
Sodium Chloride (NaCl) Free Version
Add Your Own Sodium Chloride (NaCl) (Must get food grade, untreated)
For Hobbyist Who Like Their Alkalinity At 7.5 dKH and Calcium At 400 ppm
6-25 Gallon Mixes = 150 Gallon Case
25 Gallon Mix Bag / 4.50 lbs
6-25 gallon / Case Weight / 27.0 lbs
Cost: $68 per 150g case plus shipping
Each 25 gallon sea salt mix bag will make a full 25 gallons of saltwater at Approximate Values: SG: 1.026 / 35 ppt, Magnesium: 1350 ppm, Calcium: 400 ppm, Alkalinity: 7.5 dKH, pH: 8.4, Boron: 4.5 ppm, Potassium 380 mg/L and 70 major and minor trace elements.
Please refer to the GetTanked
Mixing Instructions
What I did:
I slowly added the dry mix and NaCl into RO/DI water being rapidly mixed with a powerhead and allowed it to continue filling with water until it had reach a salinity of 1.026. I allowed it to mix for another 6 hours and then set an acclimation drip up for the calcium. The one thing that bothers me about adding the calcium to my tank rather than the salt, is that I cannot verify the Ca content of just the new salt water by itself. So I dissolved the Ca in 1 qt of RO/DI water and put it on a 6 hour drip. The drip method was used because when you add the Ca straight to the salt water, it causes quite a bit of cloudiness and according to Garry, some error or change in the alkalinity level.
This morning I checked on the mixing water and it was indeed completely clear. In fact, it is the most clear batch of salt water I have ever made. It is hard to describe, but when I looked at it, I thought to myself, now that really looks like seawater. Sort of strange and a bit surprising since I am so used to the look of other synthetic and evaporated salts.
Test Results: (PLEASE NOTE, I AM NOT A SCIENTIST. THIS IS MY HOBBY.)
Salinity: 1.026 (Refractometer)
Alkalinity: 4.2 dKh 1.49 meq/l (Salifert)
Calcium: 375 ppm (Salifert)
Magnesium: 1350 ppm (Salifert)
Phosphate: 0 ppm (Merck/D-D)
Nitrite: 0 ppm (Seachem)
Nitrate: 0 ppm (Seachem)
Silicate: 0 ppm (Seachem)
Ammonia: 0 ppm (AP)
So the results again are pretty good, especially for the stuff we don't want to see in our salts. IMO, very impressive on the contaminants that we test for. I guess my biggest issue with this salt is that even though we would save money on shipping by getting the NaCl locally, the cost for 150g is still $68, plus shipping, plus the NaCl purchased locally. I have yet to price that but do know that for our area, the minimum order is one pallet delivered to a commercial address. This is NOT a problem in my case, but still represents further cost and of course, handling.
Garry did tell Jan that we could expect a 15% discount for a "Group Order" which would bring the cost down to $57.80 plus shipping, plus the NaCl. I am guessing Garry doesn't really understand that I am a "Group Order" by myself! :lol: At any rate, I wouldn't ship it unless it was at least a pallet anyway, to mate up with the pallet of NaCl, and at that volume, I still think the price is too high.
So we continue our "testing" and discussions!