Instructions for "Black Powder" by Marc Weiss

Pirate · 12-19-2003, 10:28 PM

Just had a distributor friend give me a sample of "Black Powder" says that they have seen measurable results following use. But since it was in sample pack, no instructions were included. Anyone use this stuff, or used in the past ? If you can send me an overall instruction for it's use. Thanks, Scott

Harpo · 12-19-2003, 10:37 PM

Most believe these products have no merrit, and are a waste of money. As long as you are using a good quality salt, with regular water changes, you shouldn't need any addatives. Just my 2 cents.

Bill

Pirate · 12-19-2003, 11:26 PM

UMMMM Yea.... yes and no. I added nothing to my tank for about 2.5 years. Nothing but kalk, marine builder, and water. But I believe that there is no absolute in reef keeping. NONE ! So I see friends with the same pieces of coral (I now have 38 different species in my tank) and for some reason, they look better, you know more color, better polyp extension, better growth, less vulnerable to disease and such, better addhesion (sp?) so I am trying some of the more reputable supplies. I want that polyp extension, I want my corals to live for years, and as long as it's not in excess I see nothing wrong with some degree of experimentation. I guess you should have been around when the first MH was put on a tank, or the protein skimmer, or how bout live phytoplankton ? And who are "MOST" I have many freinds in reefing, most add more then I ever intend too. So qualify that please. And last but not least do you have instructions for "Black Powder"? Remember that was my only question.

Junkzoo · 12-20-2003, 12:34 AM

Scott, i tried doing a search to see if i could find instructions for you, no luck , why not dash off a e-mail to them , and ask them,i'm sure if they want you to try/use it, it would be in their best interest to give you dosing/use instructions.

JennM · 12-20-2003, 02:55 AM

Scott, I don't use Black Powder but I used to use Spectra Vital, Weiss' sister product to Black Powder.

The full version comes with a plastic jar and a tiny scoop - the scoop is like one that comes with a Seachem test kit (if that helps?). The bowl of the scoop is about as big as this: O

Use one scoop (tiny) and dilute it in a jar (pint) of tank water. Shake it all up (the jar leaks, and the stuff will stain your shirt!!!), and add it to your water. We used to do this about half an hour before lights out, so that the daylight feeders and the night time feeders could partake. It will cloud your water, but as the matter is consumed, the water will clear. That's another reason to add it at the end of the photoperiod - you don't have to look through murky water

I am not sure what the differences are between the Spectra Vital and the Black Powder. I know that the former contains astaxanthin (sp), which is also known as Naturose, www.cyanotech.com and this substance is believed to be a potent antioxidant.

Hope this helps.

Jenn

StellaMN · 12-20-2003, 07:41 AM

I use "Combo Vital" which is a mixture of "Black Powder" and "Spectra Vital". The instructions on the container:

Start by adding about one quarter teaspoonful , or a good pinch, per fifty gallons of water. Sprinkly on the surface on a daily basis and let it "rain down" on your reef.

They suggest applying about two hours before lights out allowing both diurnal and nocturnal life a chance to absorb it.

HTH....

Jodi

JennM · 12-20-2003, 08:14 AM

If you sprinkle on the surface, won't it get sucked down the overflow or into a filter?

(I think I have a sample of that combo stuff in a box somewhere... might have to check it out...)

Jenn

Pirate · 12-20-2003, 08:24 AM

Hey Jenn, Stella... thanks for the help. I may not use this more than 1 or 2 doses. But I do hear that the coloration and the extension are very noticable. Anything to make my little reef sparkle you know. Anyway thanks for taking the time to help me out. Some day I'll be able to return the favor.

JennM · 12-20-2003, 08:28 AM

I know Mr. Weiss gets the bum's rush from many, but despite the peculiar quality of some of his "liquid" potions, the powders will enhance colour by the presence of the astaxanthin (sp). It might take more than a couple of doses to make a difference.

Bottom line - moderation.

Jenn

StellaMN · 12-20-2003, 09:20 AM

I didn't think of that, Jenn....I don't run a sump and don't have an overflow, so that wouldn't effect me. I double-checked the label, and it said that you can mix the stuff with tank water or pure RO water. I kind of like the sprinkle effect....the stuff rains down on the corals, rock, etc.

Jodi

tdwyatt · 12-20-2003, 10:11 AM

((tom bites tongue))