NOPOX DIY Recipe - Proof in Numbers

[Nick_AquaWorks]

Seeing as I just restocked my chemicals, I figured I’d post this up to show the cost-effectiveness of this algae/nutrient control method.

For reference, I dose 3ml per day in my Waterbox Marine X 110.4 and it keeps my nitrates at 4.5 and phosphates at 0.20 with amazing consistency. Keep in mind, I significantly overfeed my fish and coral (I can’t help it, they constantly beg!) and have been able to go without a water change since September 10, 2022.

 

[ichthyoid]

If you would like to save some money on your chemicals I can vouch for Duda Diesel. They also sell Technical grade for less than you are paying. Ethanol is $5.79 for 950 ml., as an example. Their glacial acetic acid is similarly less. They are located in Alabama and typically deliver in 1 day, if you order early.

Looks like you are not using the methanol in your mix?

ethanol | Duda Diesel Alternative Energy, Chemicals & Industrial Supply Store

 

[Nick_AquaWorks]

If you would like to save some money on your chemicals I can vouch for Duda Diesel. They also sell Technical grade for less than you are paying. Ethanol is $5.79 for 950 ml., as an example. Their glacial acetic acid is similarly less. They are located in Alabama and typically deliver in 1 day, if you order early.

Looks like you are not using the methanol in your mix?

ethanol | Duda Diesel Alternative Energy, Chemicals & Industrial Supply Store

That’s the catch that Red Sea doesn’t come out and say… I use a specific form of denatured alcohol known as SDA-3A. It's pure ethanol but they use methanol as the denaturing agent. If you compare the MSDS Sheets for both Ethanol SDA-3A and Red Sea's NOPOX, the end percentages match perfectly with the usage of SDA-3A, glacial acetic acid, and RODI water.

***EDIT***
The only issue I see with the formula of ethanol from duda Diesel is their addition of IPA and acetic acid ester. While they will end up in very low concentration, after time, those additives can become harmful to livestock.

 

[ichthyoid]

I doubt isopropyl or any esters remain. Bacteria will consume most any organic carbon, especially being that Aquaria are carbon limited.

Fwiw, I’ve used their acetic acid with
cheap vodka and it drove down NO3 & PO4.

I’ve also run a batch type anaerobic denitrification filter on pure methanol and it gave the best water quality I’ve seen, on a fowlr system.

 

[qasimja]

@Nick_AquaWorks what site did you purchase from and can you tell me what ratio these are mixed thanks

 

[civics14]

@qasimja don’t over complicate it. Just do straight vodka or vinegar, or mix them in any ratio you want. Just keep it consistent. I been doing vodka to vinegar at 1:2 for years.

 

[Nick_AquaWorks]

@Nick_AquaWorks what site did you purchase from and can you tell me what ratio these are mixed thanks

I usually get most of my chemicals directly from http://alliancechemical.com/

As far as my mix ratio goes, I shared my personal calculator over in the “Resources” section. All you need to do is change the desired volume box to whatever you want and it does the rest. (link below)

Nick’s NOPOX Recipe Calculator

DIY NOPOX Calculator. Very easy to make and is exactly the same as the Red Sea brand name stuff right down to the small amount of methanol found in the brand name product.

atlantareefclub.org

 

[Nick_AquaWorks]

@qasimja don’t over complicate it. Just do straight vodka or vinegar, or mix them in any ratio you want. Just keep it consistent. I been doing vodka to vinegar at 1:2 for years.

You're not at all wrong. I'm a big ol’ nerd and enjoy conducting in-depth research and laboratory analysis. I am literally the poster child for “over complicate anything!”

 

[Wmb0003]

You're not at all wrong. I'm a big ol’ nerd and enjoy conducting in-depth research and laboratory analysis. I am literally the poster child for “over complicate anything!”

Is there any advantage to running the Acetic Acid & SDA-3 vs a standard vodka/vinegar mix?

 

[Steve Burton]

I use 1/4 vinegar, 1/4 Vodka and 1/2 RODI

 

[civics14]

Is there any advantage to running the Acetic Acid & SDA-3 vs a standard vodka/vinegar mix?

I don't think there is. Its been discussed for years and I believe the general consensus is that Red Sea adds extra ingredients so its not for human consumption and can be sold through pet stores.

 

[Nick_AquaWorks]

Is there any advantage to running the Acetic Acid & SDA-3 vs a standard vodka/vinegar mix?

For me, it comes down to the purity of ingredients. I know in the mixture I’m making there are only 4 specific ingredients and that these ingredients are stable and in precise quantities. From a consistency standpoint, I like to be able to match it with precision. Utilizing Vinegar and Vodka is a time-tested method that works wonderfully. For me, however, there are too many variables and unknown ingredients. Keep in mind, this is only me; I’m the same guy who is currently saving money to purchase a used GCMS system from the US Government so I can use it to run my water tests from home…