Iron in top-off water

[hilgert]

Randy,

I have been using your 2-part calk/alk additive (just switched to a calcium reactor since I travel so much), and I dose kalkwasser mostly to suck up CO2 and raise pH a bit.

Could I also add some iron (like Kent Iron) to the kalk topoff tank (obvioulsy calculated to match dosing recommendations for iron versus topoff usage)? I am using a big honkin' bucket-o-kalk like yours, but at a lower dosage of kalk.

If not, could I add it to a non-kalk topoff tank (or pre-mix and have a timed release to match some pre-determined daily amount)?

I you have answered this elsewhere I apologize.

[Habib]

IMO , if the Kent stuff is EDTA based then it could be added to the kalk topp-off. If they use a much weaker complex the iron would form rust and would precipitate and might get "lost" in the reservoir.


If they use EDTA then it can be used in the non-kalk topp-off otherwise I might not do it because of bacterial decay issues.

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

I agree that it is probably OK in the limewater, but if you seem to get colored precipitates (brown, red, etc), then I'd stop.

[hilgert]

IMO , if the Kent stuff is EDTA based...

Anyone know if it is EDTA-based? Kent's online description says:

Deionized water, iron, manganese, cobalt, minor trace minerals, chelant, and stabilizers.

If nobody knows, would it be safe to try it (ie - if it is not EDTA-based would it cause any harm)? This is no big deal, as it is easy to add a few drops directly now-and-then, but as I travel it is easier to not have to have the spouse remember to do this.

I looked up EDTA on google.com - I think I'm going to be sick - this "stuff" (I know it's not correct) is everywhere...including my Big Mac Special Sauce (EDTA)

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

I thought it said on the Kent bottle that I have, but it is at home and I may be confusing two different products.