Group buy: Calcium Chloride, Magnesium Chloride, Sodium Bicarbonate, kalk

[robvdv]

I get lab grade or okay-grade (i.e. I've used it before, it's okay) chemical supplements from local companies, Warren Chemicals and Protea Chemicals. They only sell this in +/- 25kg quantities. It costs around R700 for a bag of lab grade Calcium Chloride, less for the other stuff.

I use a lot of additives for my system. I don't mind buying 2 bags instead of one bag, and then stopping by Plastics for Africa on my way home to buy a few 2kg and 5kg plastic tubs for other reefers. Packing and mailing this stuff is a schlep. I don't have much free time, and pouring chemicals and going to the post office isn't my idea of fun.

So, what I'm proposing is that I offer my schlepping services to other reefers at 100% markup on the original. I play open cards (I'll even scan the invoice if you like) and the 100% covers my diesel bill, the schlep and the packing materials. Shipping is extra, regular post office services only.

I have an electronic scale, so I can make fairly accurate measurements. 2kg minimum per chemical, R500 total order minimum (not including shipping), payment upfront, delivery within 2 weeks of payment (more or less).

Does this sound reasonable? I'm not trying to rip anyone off. If you want to go buy it yourself from the companies I've mentioned, please go ahead and do so. Alternatively if you want to tag along on my next purchase, let me know what you need and I'll get it for you.

If there's enough interest I'll post the product data sheet here which will include heavy metal impurities etc. (very low for the lab grade stuff).

[gavster]

Hi Rob I'll tag along for now. Just suggestion so that you can sell more as well as get more interest from the newbs like me. How about listing each chemical, what it does as well as your comparative price per kg to the retailers? Good luck here. I hope it works well for all concerned.

[Singularity]

B & M Scientific - Suppliers of all your Lab Requirements

[MistaOrange]

Hey Rob I like this idea & have been wanting to do the same thing for some time but haven't had a chance to do it yet. Count me in & I could collect no problem.

[Seabass]

Hi Rob

You have a pm, I'm in.

Thanks

[robvdv]

Originally Posted by Singularity

B & M Scientific - Suppliers of all your Lab Requirements

Thanks, Singularity. They do small quantities, but they're expensive:
CaCl: R90/kg
MgCl: R130/kg
CaOH: R116/kg
NaCO3: R78/kg

I'll get the bulk prices on Monday and post.

[Jcc]

I was also thinking of doing the same and already making it in dilution with directions for use. I got the stuff in bulk. That is the calcium and bicarb. Its a great idea and people can safe a lot with diy

[wukkie]

Hi rob, any news on the pricing

[robvdv]

I was in a rush to get the additives before the weekend and picked up 150kgs yesterday. I've already sold half (kinda accidentally), which covers the cost of the order.

Sorry, guys. I'll do this again next month or so and post again with a bit more warning.

[robvdv]

Originally Posted by gavster

Hi Rob I'll tag along for now. Just suggestion so that you can sell more as well as get more interest from the newbs like me. How about listing each chemical, what it does as well as your comparative price per kg to the retailers? Good luck here. I hope it works well for all concerned.

Thanks, gavster. I'm not trying to compete with anyone. I just want to cover the cost of my own hobby.

If people are interested, they should Google "Randy's Improved Two Part Formula" as a good starting point.

[Seabass]

Shot Rob, keep me on your list for the next order. How about a indication of price per product (what exactly did you order) so that all of us can be better prepared for the next big order.

I think in future that this will take off, great idea and thanks for considering the little guy.

[robvdv]

The cost was really cheap, less than R10 per kg. I sold it for around R25 per kilo. The extra R5 covered the container cost.

[wukkie]

Hi rob
From where did you get the stuff, i have phoning around and some of teh stuff i have been quoted on is between R25 to R35 per Kg.

[robvdv]

Protea Chemicals: Omnia - Chemicals

[wukkie]

Ok, thanks. I think i did give them a call, and their pricing was great, but all the producst where food grade. I was looking at phama grade. Is the food grade stuff good enough for our tanks, I was worried about the other impurities that is contained in the product.

[Braco]

Tagging along and Definitely interested thx Rob..

[robvdv]

Originally Posted by wukkie

Ok, thanks. I think i did give them a call, and their pricing was great, but all the producst where food grade. I was looking at phama grade. Is the food grade stuff good enough for our tanks, I was worried about the other impurities that is contained in the product.

Some are food grade, some are pharma. Randy did a good article some time ago about impurities in Calcium Chloride: Aquarium Chemistry: Purity Of Calcium Chloride — Advanced Aquarist's Online Magazine

The amount of cadmium in Kent calcium was interesting

[MistaOrange]

Protea chemicals are just down the road from me...