ESV vs ATI essentials 2-part

[Mtong]

Has anyone switched from B-ionic ESV 2 part to ATI Essentials Pro 2 part? What were the pros and cons and would you recommend switching? Thank in advance.

 

[joseserrano]

Same basic concept. Would trust esv to have better base products (raw materials), Ati has cut corners in many products.

 

[qchau]

What jose said.

 

[Carlos]

Sticking with ESV every shop sells it, so it’s not hard to find and works great.

 

[Mtong]

I believe ati already has magnesium in it too so you don't have to worry about dosing one less thing.

 

[Smite]

I recently went back to two part and am using ESV. While my consumption isn't crazy high I've been pretty impressed with it. Dosing pretty much equal parts and it's also keeping my magnesium in check.

 

[Mtong]

Hey Smite, how much do you dose a day and how big is your tank? Mix reef?

 

[Shane_RTTV]

Never used ATI but been using ESV for over 10 years with very consistent results. And you can get it almost everywhere.

 

[qchau]

Esv has a lil mag in the calcium too

 

[Mtong]

Hmm, I didn't know that.

 

[Smite]

Hey Smite, how much do you dose a day and how big is your tank? Mix reef?

Yeah right now it's pretty much a mixed tank. I had a few metal issues and lost a lot of stuff and pulled my calcium reactor.

There was a local reefer who had some of the nicest sps I've seen in person, Mr.V. He swore by ESV 2 part and also their salt when I was at his place.

I started ESV about a month or two ago. System is 210 gallons. So far I'm only dosing 50ml of alk/calcium daily. It's keeping my big 3 @
9 dkh
440 calcium
1450-1500 magnesium

The ARM media in my calcium reactor really raised magnesium levels for some reason, ESV has just maintained them there so far.

A good amount of my acropora are still pissed (but new additions happy) but my LPS and some of my easier sps pieces are growing pretty well. I have coraline algae like crazy so I'd say ESV is doing a very good job. I bought the 5g tubs, it was a pain in the butt to mix the alk but the pour spouts are awesome accurate.

For two part I really like ESV, long term history of being reliable and consistent. I'm not sure if you get them shipped but they come half full for shipping costs. Same when they go to a LFS, so if they filled them prior to selling, stick to somewhere you trust the water source.

 

[tripinpn01]

I've always used ESV. Never felt a reason to switch

 

[Mtong]

I guess I'll stick with esv for the time being unless ATI people start chiming in. Thanks.

 

[Smite]

I think they are just similar products, Mtong. ESV being a very popular one with a long track record.

What exactly are you hoping to achieve by switching? If there is something lacking in your system, or an issue of some kind post it and maybe someone can shoot you some insight.

 

[Mtong]

I guess my tank is doing fine, but just looking for something to get better color and growth. Right now I dose esv 2 part, esv magnesium and reef trace. According to ATI ICP test, I'm still missing some elements. I was hoping the switch would help me eliminate the magnesium and reef trace dosing. I guess we're always tinkering in this hobby. Haha.

 

[All Delight]

I've used ESV for close to 15 years. Only reason I've ever wanted to switch to another 2 part is because I was not thinking clearly.

 

[Tommy Ngo]

Mag consumption in my tank is not that fast compare to Alk. I don’t really dose Mag, because I get it back from WC. The only time I really check for Mag is when I have to do a large WC for emergency only.