Sometimes, I'm glad I'm a homebrewer (well.....'haven't brewed for quite awhile, but the thought is still there once I get some available space back!).
'Been looking at the prices of stuff to maintain the pH in my newly-built F&D system.
Take a look at the price of 500ml of 85% Phosphoric acid (pH down with a brand name on it) from a random hydro store I looked at in Melb:
Hy-Gen pH Down Hydroponic Store in Epping, Melbourne
www.eppinghydroponics.com.au
Now look at the price for EXACTLY the same thing from a homebrew store:
Phosphoric acid (AKA orthophosphoric acid or H3PO4PE388) is a mineral inorganic acid that can be used as a non-foaming/non-rinse sanitiser when diluted to water to a concentration of 1mL/2L. Adjust your Sparge or Mash pH or even passivate some stainless!
www.kegland.com.au
The more I read & research for myself, the more I realise that you can get equally good products from other sources than a hydro shop.
I recently bought some bulk Calcium & Silica products directly from NTS on recommendation from a couple of folks here & have saved a shitload of dosh over buying stuff from an inflated-priced shop.
Don't get me wrong here, the hydro shops will always have a place in the market for folks that just want to "plug & play", but there are always alternatives.
Thanks for your advice, I'm just paying it forward.......