Anyone using Randy's 3-part formula?

[FragOutpost]

After my current supplements run out I am probably going to try Randy Holmes-Farley's 3-part homemade formula. Are any of you using this formula? If so please share your experiences and let us know which version of the formula you are using and how much you dose daily.

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-02/rhf/index.php
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/april2004/chem.htm

[FragOutpost]

I'm thinking about getting the dowflake and magflake from here - http://www.buckeyefieldsupply.com/showproducts.asp?Sub=124&showspecials=124

I picked up some baking soda yesterday. Too bad the other ingredients are not as easy to get. :)

[Teeka01]

Will this do away with your algae too?

[FragOutpost]

No, this is a cheap way to maintain calcium (calcium chloride) and alkalinity (sodium bicarbonate) levels. The third part is the epsom salts (magnesium sulfate) and magflake (magnesium hexahydrate chloride).

This will replace the 2-part supplements like ocean's blend and b-ionic and when you buy the 50 lb bags it breaks down to only pennies a day.

[FragOutpost]

Will this do away with your algae too?

Are you referring to how the prodibio affects the macro algae? Prodibio intorduces bacteria to the tank that will compete for the same nutrients as the macro.

[Teeka01]

Keep us posted how it does. I may give it a try until I can get my reactor.

[FragOutpost]

I still have enough ocean's blend to last the rest of the month, so I'll probably start Randy's formula next month. Ocean's blend can get to be expensive after a while. Plus my tank requires more alkalinity supplements than calcium so I have to add seachem reef builder in order to avoid using more of part b than part a of ocean's blend.

[Teeka01]

Are you referring to how the prodibio affects the macro algae? Prodibio intorduces bacteria to the tank that will compete for the same nutrients as the macro.

Thank you now I understand.(newbieness showing thru here.)