Uploaded August 2020 | Updated September 2026, 1 day ago

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DIY Live!

Continuing the DIY theme, and today we're doing some Tropic Marin All-For-Reef. A4R adds alkalinity, calcium, magnesium, and trace elements in a single dose liquid. I find it best to keep the tip of the dosing tube in the water to ensure a crust doesn't form on the tube end. A crusty tube will negatively impact dose accuracy.

Bahama Llama Coral asked about the cost-benefit of making your own A4R. The 5L kit on BRS is $100.82. That's $20.16 per liter. My last 500mL of A4R cost $17.62. 500mL of the DIY is $10.08. AND, if you have all the parts in your fish closet, your All-For-Reef would always be in stock. That's worth something, too!

Let's get to it!

All-For-Reef - bulkreefsupply.com/all-for-reef-tropic-marin.html

All-For-Reef kit from BRS - bulkreefsupply.com/carbo-calcium-plus-trace-elements-kit-tropic-marin.html

Kamoer X1 - bulkreefsupply.com/x1-bluetooth-micropump-kamoer.html

GHL Doser 2.1 - aquariumcomputer.com/usa/product-category/ghl-doser/ghl-doser-2-1

GHL magnetic stir plate - aquariumcomputer.com/usa/product/magnetic-stirrer-for-ghl-doser-2

Kitchen scale - amazon.com/American-Weigh-LB-3000-Precision-Removable/dp/B002SVNEWA/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=B002SVNEWA&qid=1596750207&sr=8-1

Old man stories followed.

BTW, the magnet was stuck to the scale. And contrary to Lynn's observation, I wasn't drunk. Just happy tipsy! 😊