kalk top-off

[VAreefer]

I am setting up a auto kalk top-off system and have a question. I have heard two different opinions concerning kalk being exposed to air an the impact of Co2 on the mixture, some say it is bad and others say there is no adverse effects. My system will consist of a 150gallon container that will be used to mix DI water and kalk and a dosing pump to add to sump. I hope this last a week but it will not be air tight? any opinions.

Thanks

Mike

[mr294]

An interesting article on that topic:

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2003-05/rhf/feature/index.htm

[strictly marine]

Most kalk mixture will have a hard crust that will develop on the surface of your mixture and that will help with the air exposure if you are worry about that.

[manderx]

wow, 150 gallons a week of evaporation?

[AQUAN8TOR]

I was just thinking the same thing. I mean, during the summer I average something like 6 gallons a day, but 150 a week would be incredible. He must have meant 15g.

[AQUAN8TOR]

In all seriousness, I really disagree with the efficacy of kalk being exposed to air for long periods of time. I have tested pH after a few days, and it drops dramatically, with or without the film on the water. I (until I get some 6" clear acrylic cheap) mix kalk fresh every day.

[VAreefer]

Sorry I meant 15 g, 150 gal I would have nothing left:D
Thanks for the article Brandon, I will try this approach.

[ranceego]

I have read that kalk comes out at 600-900 mg/dl. When it is exposed to air it drops to 6mg/dl big big big change, dose kalk the right way and you get big results, wrong it dont hurt but dont help.

[Bass Master]

The views on kalk have changed as of late. Doesn't hurt at all to let it sit in a container exposed to air. I believe Randy-Holmes Farley has an article on it .Do a search here on RC. Also the use of vinegar with kalk to reduce nitrates and a few other benifits.

[Bass Master]

Do a search. The thread is titled "Pickeling Lime. There is a link to a thread that goes into depth about it. By the way, the thread poster spelled it that way, not me.