Opinions on balance blocks ?

Discussion in 'Water Chemistry' started by jgutierrez84106, Feb 1, 2011.

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  1. jgutierrez84106

    jgutierrez84106 Plankton

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    Has anyone used " balance blocks" ( not sure who makes them ? But they look like a chunk of chauk)

    They seem easy to use but I was wondering if anyone had opinion on them. Do they keep water chem levels good ? ( like CA and trace elmnts )

    If I have a low calcium usage rate will it build up past recommended levels

    Etc. Etc....

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    jgutierrez84106, Feb 1, 2011
    jgutierrez84106, Feb 1, 2011
    #1

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  2. xmetalfan99

    xmetalfan99 Giant Squid

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    All of the "dissolve at the rate your tank needs it" blocks are a joke. They dissolve as quickly or as slowly as your water flow allows. You are better of just dosing your tank. It is easy and cheaper to dose your tank than use products like balance blocks. They will raise your levels above the recommended levels.
     
    xmetalfan99, Feb 1, 2011
    xmetalfan99, Feb 1, 2011
    #2
  3. inwall75

    inwall75 Giant Squid

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    These are not a product I would recommend. My reasons have been highlighted in red.
     
    inwall75, Feb 1, 2011
    inwall75, Feb 1, 2011
    #3
  4. jgutierrez84106

    jgutierrez84106 Plankton

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    Thanks alot... makes perfect sens

    Jonathan
     
    jgutierrez84106, Feb 2, 2011
    jgutierrez84106, Feb 2, 2011
    #4
  5. steve wright

    steve wright Super Moderator

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    How big is your set up jgutierrez84106?

    because if your looking for a relatively simple means of maintaining parameters
    without all the equipment used for dosing etc

    the 2 part formulas are a very good option to consider, along with a seperate supplement for Magnesium

    these are great in smaller reef set ups, but not cost effective when dealing with anything over a nano IMO

    for the larger systems , dry product that you mix with RODI is a far more efficient means of supplementing IME

    Steve
     
    steve wright, Feb 2, 2011
    steve wright, Feb 2, 2011
    #5