ESV BIonic VS Bulk Reef Supply Two Part Dosing

ReeferGil
In this video I share my experience with using Bionic Two Part and BRS Two Part dosing systems. I've used both 2 part systems for several months and I go over the pros and cons of both companies. Both two part systems are very popular amongst the reefing community, but in the end I have to choose ESV Bionic. I had some issues with BRS mixing salts that I go over in the video. Please share any experiences (good or bad) with you observations using one of the two systems.

[@thekingofdiy]

Thanks for the shout out brother! I hope to make it to MACNA this year too!

[@thekingofdiy]

***** And i'll teach you how to drink!

[@thekingofdiy]

***** HAHAHA!!

[@ArcAngel9008]

Thanks for the shout out! I hope to make it to macna. With my job it's uncertain. Great video. Maybe one day I'll try esv. For now I'm sticking to Red Sea

[@evo2679]

ReeferGil - I have to agree with you on your rant and the issues with google+ !!! Thanks for all the informative videos and I look forward to all the new vids in 2014. Oh and most importantly congrats on the MACNA 2014 tickets!!!

[@angelnieves6087]

Excelente vídeo. I can’t wait to start using this in my systems. Looking forward to the sump video upgrade as well keepem coming. 👍🏼👊🏼

[@Haigotron]

Very helpful. As someone who has been using B-Ionic for awhile and thinking about switching over, this convinced to stay with what already works! :D Thanks!!

[@ReeferGil]

I say if ESV is working for you and it's not making you go broke, then stick with ESV. Thanks James!

[@RMSpeltzFarm]

Thank you so much the shout out, also we love to meet you out at MACNA 2014....so lets hook up......=)

[@AquaPorn]

Nice vid as usual RG! Good info for me as this will be a future step I will need to take in my build.

[@27ppatel]

Yo D! Happy new year bro. Great video. I've been using B-Ionic for a while and will stick to it. Good knowledge for someone coming into the hobby. And Thanks for the shout out! :) I see the stickers everywhere lol

[@ReeferGil]

Im glad you noticed, lol.

[@bobbonecrusher]

stick with what's best for you and your happy with

[@ReeferGil]

Yup! Thanks for watching, hope all is well.

[@nyinfamous2k2]

HAAAAAAA thanks for the shout out man, your wife rocks bro. you sound stoked, that's awesome. I WISH I could get out there for MACNA but the closest im going to get is the video you post from it lol. Enjoy man, I agree, the new google/youtube collab SUXXX. damn sounds like BRS is using super glue in there salt mix. im actually drinking a beer as im watching this now so.... CHEERS bud.

[@jamesconrey]

Nice video as always. I use the BRS 2 part myself and do far haven't had any issues with this snow flaking issue. I also use Kent Coravite and Essentials for trace. Salt is RC. Only issue I have had with BRS products was the color changing di resin and filter packs for ro replacement. Other then that all is well. Have fun at MACNA!!!

[@ReeferGil]

Thanks James. If you don't mind, what was the issue with the DI Resin and filter packs? I also run a BRS RODI, so I'm curious.

[@livaloris]

***** dont ask james he just a bad reefer and dont know what he doing when it come to his RO/DI system haha jk james got to give him some trouble haha

[@ReeferGil]

HAHA, I'll keep that in mind Ian. JK :)

[@kentucky8100]

I like your video, it helps me decide which product to use.

[@ldballoon4]

Gil, BRS ALK solution must be changed monthly-rinsed, and disinfected (whether you use it all or not). They dont tell you that algae/bacteria may form in the dosing container. Been there done that. Everything else is excellent there, but I won't use their 2 part again. And yes the concentration is much weaker on their end. Using their 1ml doser, I had to run them on a timer for 18 minutes at a time- 18 minutes! I was burning through solution and shortening the peristaltic pump's life. I switched to Balling from Tropic Marin. I will use ESV in my next 80 g frag tank build and report back at a much later date.

[@ReeferGil]

+Alex Kingcole Awesome info Alex, thank you for sharing!

[@jaydenmarrero6350]

Boo Reefer gill it's not true trust me

[@Reef2View]

NICE GIFT!!! I'm gonna try hard to make it to MACNA!!! Nice vid. Good information. Love the blooper at the end. LOL!!!

[@livaloris]

whats up ReeferGil ive ran both ive just recently switch from ESV like 2 months ago and now using BRS. I loved ESV it was great i had good results and like you i wanted to try something new but hard to judge because i am using some other products with the BRS so i really can say which one gives the best growth/coloration but i haven't gotten any flaking from the brs like you mentioned other reason why i switch to brs i starting to multi my systems i used the esv on my 40b and now i have my 115 and soon to have a frag system. So going with 5g bucks of brs will be way cheaper then going with ESV on all systems. great little explanation on YOUR experience but I have yet to see to much different. In the end just like i think of salt. I think everything does the same thing but its what you find that works for Your System or systems. I have buddys that use all kinds of different stuff and get great success so just like you. You find that ESV work great for your system so stick to it stability is key. Great vid

[@stevefrenchpug]

I've been using the Bionic 2 part system for about a year now and have had great results. I wouldn't consider changing. I do, however, use the BRS Magnesium salt mix….but I only have to add it every 3 or 4 months. My coraline algae and SPS corals are growing like weeds.

[@ReeferGil]

I'm glad you mentioned how little Mag you dose into the tank. I did water test last night and my Mag was at 1400. I haven't added Mag in MONTHS. What kind of salt do you use, I use "Aquavitro Salinity" saltmix.

[@stevefrenchpug]

I'm lucky enough to live in South Florida, so when I do a water change I go to my LFS and pick up sea water. I've never used a salt mix. That being said, I probably only do 3 to 4 water changes a year. It's against conventional wisdom, but it is working out well for me so far. I do regularly change my Chemi-pure that is in my sump - at the manufacturer recommended times. I will try to get a new vid up soon.

[@ReeferGil]

I live out near the San Francisco Bay, I wouldn't put my toes in that water let alone put it into my reef, LOL. I think that is very cool that you have that resource so close to you. Salt mix gets expensive. If 3-4 WC per year work for you, then who can argue it. That's a whole lot less work and less trips to the LFS for more natural seawater! Looking forward to the videos..

[@GENISIS1TWENTYONE]

Thanks for the tips. I was looking into dosing 2 PART in the future just to get some coralline algae growth on my LR.

[@djbrandriff]

I just switched to the esv. Had the brs but couldn’t get the alk to ever dissolve completely. My esv will be here today. And the esv salt on Saturday

[@ReeferGil]

Nice, I love ESV myself.

[@ShrednESP]

Great info.. just started adding coral to my 55 gallon and want to start dosing as needed by hand. When i have more of a demand i will use a dosing pump.

[@ReeferGil]

+Mr JackBurton Perfect plan, no need to automate quite yet.

[@ZachShannon]

ill see you at Macna Gil! i live about 15 minutes from the convention center.. and a very nice video once again.keep it up!

[@ReeferGil]

Look for the dorks in the "ReeferGil" shirts. That's awesome you'll be so close. Thanks for watching.

[@gmoney1961]

Very nice review of your experience

[@Jl12020127]

Great vid ...thanks for the inf..very educational

[@jguanajuato1983]

Thanks for the shout out, I can't wait either, I have some friends and family in Denver, should be interesting...Hangover Part 4??? lol

[@ReeferGil]

Did you watch the video a second time or something, LOL. You didn't mention the shout out the first time you commented, you ingrate! Heck yes, we'll put Hangover 1-3 to shame, haha!!!

[@jguanajuato1983]

business first my good friend lol

[@ReeferGil]

Dang, I guess so!

[@jguanajuato1983]

I'll make it up to you and bring you a free Juan's Reef Aquariums T-shirt and hat for MACNA lmao

[@ReeferGil]

LMAO, dude mine just came in the mail. You can tease me all you want, but I'm going to wear it!!! DorkRUs!!!

[@daretoreef]

cant wait to see the overhaul on the sump. That was one thing I was hoping you would have changed when you got the sump you have now.

[@daretoreef]

***** I really really want to. I'm just waiting to see if i can afford it.

[@jguanajuato1983]

Bionic is definitely a way to go if you want to cut back on some water changes, that's if its under control, BRS 2 part will definitely need to be used in conjunction with good quality reef salt to replace the elements we pay no mind to, lol, but i would suggest that the heavier stocked tanks use the Bionic because of the trace elements, and the light to moderate tanks use BRS because not all the trace elements are consumed...so really price wise its almost the same if you add the extra salt for w/c IMO...

[@jguanajuato1983]

***** so that means your still thinking about the zeovit system?

[@jguanajuato1983]

***** Ofcourse I did... take your time, do your homework! I'm still at the fork in the road with the bio pellets, Thanks about the the 90, i was kind of going the freaking awesome route lol, wish i could give a few pointers on the spot with the sump, but i have confidence that you will do better than you expect...i'm also thinking of removing the sand bed in my fuge and replacing it with your mud tray, overall great design, what did it run you?

[@jguanajuato1983]

yes i'am sub to him, he has the white theme in his sump, i was talking about the mud tray...becuase after xmas I'am tapped out, might have to turn in some pennies for it lol, i think you should hard plum, makes working down bellow a little easier, cleaner, and one less thing to regret not doing in this hobby

[@jguanajuato1983]

ohhhh really...hmmm, lol, i'd keep it 3/4 all the way through less bull crap like reducers taking up valued inches from the tubing, the more straight pipe, the better the flow and less chance of build up in the connections, nice pump btw

[@jguanajuato1983]

***** rule of thumb, the mag 9 are usually perfect for a 75/90 usually pushing 700 gph after the climb to the DT...so the eheim is a dc pump? sweet! I love eheim, ive ran a canister on my old 46 for years with out isssues

[@1977logan]

On my end it doesn't look like it fits the screen and kinda jumps around. At least it loaded.lol I'm gonna do an unboxing vid of these Jason Fox corals tomorrow. Happy New year to you and yours also.

[@patrickbcox]

ReeferGil, have you ever tried the 4 gallon buckets of the B-Ionic? My consumption is increasing and I am thinking about trying the larger container. Thanks

[@ReeferGil]

I haven't, although I don't see why you wouldn't want to.

[@ReefRaf1]

Sweet man have fun at MACNA. Great comparison on the products. I personally have used both products and was happy with both however baking soda, dowflake calcium chloride and MAG flake would give you same effect for the fraction of the price of these product and you can get em at your local hardware/grocerie store (thinking long term)

[@ReeferGil]

Yeah, I looked into Randy's recipe but found out BRS already had their mixes done. It just didn't mix well in my system, I know many reefers use BRS without the same issues I have. I'm rolling with Bionic for a good while, I have no temptations right now to change it up again. Are you using Randy's recipe right now?

[@ReefRaf1]

Have been using Randy's Recipe for about 2 months now and its working great

[@mrkleinreef]

I've previously used both and can provide some input on the problems you faced. You said that when you used BRS precipitation occurred. I ran into the same problem, but what I found out was is that it wasn't calcium carbonate that was precipitating. It was magnesium carbonate. Which precipitates when the pH In the aquarium happens rapidly (for example when you dose alkalinity). Once the system equalizes the two element will separate and be available for coral to use. As for your GFO. There was a study in reedbuilders proving that GFO can remove elements from the water (even ca, mg, and alk) this is probably what happened to you. Since BRS solutions are relatively pure GFO will have a more noticeable change when exposed to pure solutions. One thing I noticed in your video that I question is how much you dose. When I dose ESV I had to dose 3x I achieve the same effect as BRS which makes me wonder why your experience was the other way around... Overall BRS is better in scenarios where you want to know exactly what's going in your tank. But ESV has it's uses as well. (Typed on a phone, so if there's any spelling and grammar issues I apologize :p )

[@ReeferGil]

Very interesting you bring this up. I was not aware of the study on GFO having adverse affects on elements in the water. The reason the GFO was solidifying seems to make sense. I was definitely using way more BRS to hit the same target numbers I had with ESV. I was dosing over 100ML of BRS to achieve what I was getting with only 30-35ML of ESV. You're right about running more sensitive systems where you need to know what's going into the water. In that case, BRS is the choice to make.

[@mrkleinreef]

i'll find that study for you. everyone will have different opinions and methods, but that doesn't mean they're wrong. good video, again, Gil.

[@ReeferGil]

Thank Klein! Over a year in the hobby and I feel like I barely know anything. So much to learn. I should have paid more attention in chemistry class, lol.

[@mrkleinreef]

when i first started i made a goal to learn one new thing about the hobby every day, and i still feel like i don't know anything. :P

[@ReeferGil]

Seriously, I think you need 5+ years in the hobby to get a true handle of it. Four more years to go LOL.

[@1977logan]

Gil awesome on the macna tickets! I'm running brs chems right now haven't had any issues yet. Starting to get a real corraline explosion. I would like to give the other chems a shot maybe when I get low and have to reorder. I'm shooting for 8alk 420cal 1400mag, Where do you keep your params? Right now it takes about 30Ml of each in my system. I'm having issues with my vids failing to upload from my desk top. I'm going to try again today. Just ordered some zoos from Jason Fox fruitless, gorilla nipples, and 2 others. Hope they show up tomorrow. I'm coming to LA again in a few months probably hit vivid again while I'm there. Take care man.

[@BigDubb]

My understanding about the Ca precipitating out is that you were dosing too much. What were your Ca levels when it started to calcify on your pumps etc? I had this issue and dialed back the dosing significantly, and this eliminated the problem. Secondly, you're going to Co, why have a beer when you can have a toke. :D

[@ReeferGil]

Yeah, that's how I understand it too. I did dial back for a while, but my CA levels dropped. I got tired of messing with it, so went back to what I knew agreed with my water system."Reefer" in "ReeferGil" refers to my saltwater tank, not the green stuff on sale in Colorado... A beer will suit me just fine, LOL.

[@1977logan]

Ok thanks Gil.

[@ScottM]

Great job Gil abd nice outtake at the end. Do you have any opinion on the red sea reef program?

[@Reefphreak]

MACNA! Not fair. Awesome man! Have fun!

[@ReeferGil]

HAHA... I can't wait!!!

[@Reefphreak]

I bet!

[@915Mang]

Hey man thats cool youre going to MACNA, Im gonna try and make it out there too. Good video, And G+ sucks! LOL

[@915Mang]

***** For sure man! Happy New Year!

[@NerdistAquarist]

I've always used B-ionic from day 1and never switched, it works for me and very convenient. I do have to supplement magnesium, but very little. I hear you about google changing the comment system, I hated it too. But I respond respond to most comments from my phone, so in that regard I actually found it easier than before. Congrats on the MACNA tickets, I went in 2013 but Denver is too far for me this time. Does your wife have a sister? LOL.

[@ReeferGil]

HAHA, she doesn't. I'm so pumped up for Denver. I'd like to go to at least one to say I've been there like you.

[@Nomimasubiru420]

Great vid as usual man. I totally agree on this google+ BS...

[@Johnaubreyduncan]

Sounds like you were over dosing BRS to get that much precipitation. But you clearly know what you are doing, so maybe not. Did you leave enough time between adding each part (2 hours). I use Fauna Marine, which is very similar to BRS, with no poblems. Then again each tank and set is different, so what ever works for you.

[@Johnaubreyduncan]

***** May be your Mg was low, and you you had a faulty test kit. Who knows.

[@JanetDiaz6152]

Hey Guys what about Fauna Marin Ultra Balling Light. I switched to this from BRS and Love it...

[@1977logan]

My vids come off the camera in the wrong format for KZbin. When I try to use KZbin they fail to upload trying movie maker now.

[@1977logan]

I got it uploaded but the size isn't right I don't think.

[@ReeferGil]

If it's public I'll check it out on my end and let you know. I'll look now.

[@tomhannaby1581]

Gil, I am using (nearly at the end of a bottle) red sea B and salifert all in one. I originally bought the salifert which did a great job on the trace elements and raised the Calc to 450 easily but the PH and the KH stayed low so I started with the red sea B. The PH is still low at 7.7 and the KH is 7.7 DKH also which is lower than Id like as I want to keep blue maxima clams. When I dose the red sea it snow flakes every time now..any ideas???

[@ReeferGil]

Typically this is caused by high CA, so when the ALK is introduced you get the snow flakes. It can also be caused if you're adding ALK too soon after having added the CA. I didn't have any of these issues, but still got the snow flakes. The ALK would pile up as it sank to the bottom of the sump. I added a small powerhead, which helped a little but I still had issues with my pumps and GFO. How old is your system? If RS isn't working out for you, I'd suggest switching to something else since you're almost done with the bottle anyhow.

[@OaktownsGreatest]

Good shit! nice review.

[@ReeferGil]

Thank you. You in Oakland Ca?

[@ReeferGil]

Any fish stores you recommend near you?

[@jbhuse]

Once you start using one of these products do you have to continue using it for all time ? or just for when your levels go down? I have heard people mentioning doing doses everyday do you have to continue that in order to maintain a healthy tank?

[@ReeferGil]

jonathan huse Depends on how many corals you have. I do use it every day, but it's automatically dosed with dosing pumps and my Apex controller. I put in enough to maintain my levels. It's about as much as the corals will consume in one day.

[@jbhuse]

okay, thank you. i just want sure if this was something that could ever be kept in balance naturally or if it will always have to be supplemented. Im learning more and more about this great hobby, thanks for your reply.

[@tomhannaby1581]

By the way, keep the videos coming, like the channel. Cheers

[@muffemod]

ESV two part and mag is king.

[@ReeferGil]

Love it!

[@1977logan]

Gil do use Windows movie maker to upload your videos?

[@ReeferGil]

I tried using it. I think 915Mang uses Windows Movie Maker. I couldn't get the hang of it. I just use KZbins video editing tools. What are you trying to use? Any luck on the video upload?

[@915Mang]

Yeah, I use windows movie maker. Works for me :)

[@ReeferGil]

Hey Mang, maybe you can help out Logan with his upload issues???

[@UnderTheTide]

Danny are you still using B-Ionic? I just noticed you have to add RO water to yours in this video. The stuff I get here in Canada is a full gallon jug. No mention of adding anything. I couldn't see anything on ESV's website that mentioned having to add RO either. Take care. Phil.

[@ReeferGil]

Under The Tide Hey Phil, yup you have to add RO water to the 1 gallon jugs "fill line". The 1 gallon ESV (Ca and Alk only) jugs come about a 1/4 full. I have to fill the rest with RO water. If you're using the smaller bottles, then those do come full.

[@UnderTheTide]

***** I was at my LFS today and he has started to get the concentrate in now due to shipping costs. I had not seen it before and noticed it in your video. He has some on hand now so my next bottles will be like yours bud. Thanks.

[@ReeferGil]

Yeah, you'll see a "fill line" for the addition of RO or RODI water. I love this stuff.

[@jeroromouse9699]

Aquaforest came clear with their Balling 3part dosing some say better than ESV

[@ReeferGil]

I might be switching up myself, only because I want to try something new. Ill check out Aquaforest, thanks Jeroro.

[@Ambrosius13]

Realized this an older video. Still dosing b ionic?

[@ReeferGil]

Most definitely. Love it .

[@sleepytyme1]

B ionic +1

[@sleepytyme1]

Ya but I switched it up to a planted freshwater

[@MrBobbyThom]

Lmao i got the same gift from my gf on Christmas

[@ReeferGil]

Freaking awesome!!! See you there man!!!