I am pretty sure that plantex is dosed differently, but with no experience, I will let others answer. Doesn't the EI threads talk to this issue?

The baking soda is used if you want to increase your hardness. Up to you if you want to use or not. Again, I do not, so will not advise.

I use Prime as you need only a little to treat a lot of water. Most of the products are okay, some better than others....

You may want to get a copy of Greg Watson's dosing guide. Do a site search here and look for it. Should have a URL in it somewhere........

Have you read any of the EI threads? Many answers there, sometimes you may miss it at first.

Good luck! Sorry I wasn't as much help this time.................