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Borneman's Recipe...anyone use??
- Thread starter 9supratt4
- Start date
Steve, I was not aware of Borneman’s recipe. However, I’ve used lye (sodium hydroxide solution) to kill aptasia….the solution I make up to regenerate my DI resin.
Lye is a strong caustic alkaline (base pH) chemical that is similar to other aptasia killers in that it will quickly “dissolve” the little pests. You use it in such small quantities that the impact on your tank is virtually zero. You should only be using about 1 ml per aptasia. In large quantities, it would raise your pH. But again, knowing you have a, I believe, 180 gallon, it would take a large volume to impact your pH. I think it is better than, lets say, lemon juice, because it quickly dissociates to sodium ions and hydroxide ions….the stuff that makes up salt and water, respectively. If it has any impact, it would be an infinitesimal increase in pH, and who doesn’t need their pH boosted a little bit.
A few notes of caution: When mixing, the reaction is highly exothermic (gives off heat), so only mix a little at a time to get it into solution. Second, it is caustic. It will eat holes in clothing (and skin). If you get it on your skin, immediately rinse with loads of water (it will feel slimy).
Lye is a strong caustic alkaline (base pH) chemical that is similar to other aptasia killers in that it will quickly “dissolve” the little pests. You use it in such small quantities that the impact on your tank is virtually zero. You should only be using about 1 ml per aptasia. In large quantities, it would raise your pH. But again, knowing you have a, I believe, 180 gallon, it would take a large volume to impact your pH. I think it is better than, lets say, lemon juice, because it quickly dissociates to sodium ions and hydroxide ions….the stuff that makes up salt and water, respectively. If it has any impact, it would be an infinitesimal increase in pH, and who doesn’t need their pH boosted a little bit.
A few notes of caution: When mixing, the reaction is highly exothermic (gives off heat), so only mix a little at a time to get it into solution. Second, it is caustic. It will eat holes in clothing (and skin). If you get it on your skin, immediately rinse with loads of water (it will feel slimy).
Steve
I've used the borneman's recipe and it worked great. One of the drawbacks are that it will also kill anything it comes in contact with. The stuff melts instantly!. Make sure when you mix it you use gloves and glasses. The mixture is going to get very hot like Paul said. Be sure to use a glass container.
Bob
I've used the borneman's recipe and it worked great. One of the drawbacks are that it will also kill anything it comes in contact with. The stuff melts instantly!. Make sure when you mix it you use gloves and glasses. The mixture is going to get very hot like Paul said. Be sure to use a glass container.
Bob
Steve
I haven't seen any adverse effects from it. I believe once it hits the water it becomes alot less caustic and doesn't bother the fish. I've actually seen the fish suck it in and spit it back out with no harm, just be careful of what you get this on. It will kill whatever you squirt it on! I've also used this on brown palys with success. The only thing I noticed is it may raise your PH.
Bob
I haven't seen any adverse effects from it. I believe once it hits the water it becomes alot less caustic and doesn't bother the fish. I've actually seen the fish suck it in and spit it back out with no harm, just be careful of what you get this on. It will kill whatever you squirt it on! I've also used this on brown palys with success. The only thing I noticed is it may raise your PH.
Bob
9supratt4 said:
Steve, the stuff you squirt on the aptasia will dissipate quickly. If a fish starts to swim into the area, it will “detect” the bolus of base and quickly swim away. No different from you using any of the other commercial aptasia killers.
In regard to impact on your tank, unless you are treating thousands of aptasia, it’s like spitting into the ocean and noting the rise in volume. A very small dose of base isn’t going to do any adverse things to your tank. (In my tank, it’s a a benefit in that I struggle with low pH….most likely from CO2)
I've used just straight kalk paste and it works ok.....I've recently been using this method with lye and it works great.