Black Powder by Marc Weiss?

Rovert · #1 03/19/2004, 06:33 PM

Good or Evil?

Normally, I steer clear of anything with his name on it. I've read his voodoo mumbo-jumbo marketing propaganda, and the sheer audacity of it amazes me. The words "charlatan" and "snake oil" come to mind.

But in the case of Black Powder, I've heard some good things, so I thought I'd ask here. Sorry if I'm late to the game, but I'm just getting my reef re-established after about 8 months, and have some of the stuff sitting around.

scotmol · #2 03/19/2004, 09:03 PM

Rovert,

A couple of years ago, I experimented with it on the advice of a LFS. I saw ZERO difference to my tank. IMO, the words "charlatan" and "snake oil" are right on when it comes to most if not all of his products.

Cheers,

Scott

Rovert · #3 03/19/2004, 10:21 PM

The comments I heard regarding Black Powder were primarily observations of increased growth of life on the rock. I was just looking for some confirmation.

As to Marc Weiss, the only thing he's good for IMO is as a case study in unethical marketing.

Roadtoad · #4 03/21/2004, 05:15 PM

Have you ever smelled the stuff? I bought a bottle about 3 years ago and noticed that it smelled like manure when I opened it.

SHARKSRME · #5 03/21/2004, 05:17 PM

I noticed an increase in algae growth....why dont you just get some dirt from your backyard and put it in your tank

ryancheson · #6 03/21/2004, 08:48 PM

Most of these magic brews are just that. People will add to their tank a mystery mix and the power of suggestion hits them and they see things that were already in the tank. There is no magic potion in a reef tank. Just get the basics down and your tank does fine. The danger is that it might just have the opposite effect on your tank and un-do the good tank husbandry you have established.

The only one that has instant success in this environment is the guy that got you to pay for something you donâ€™t need, his bank account is now enriched.