Overdose of kalkwasser! Please help

dmbnpj · #1 01/27/2007, 05:27 PM

Just hooked up my new auto top off unit with a kalkwasser reactor. Looks like I overdosed a little bit. Just went down to check on it and for less than 5 minutes I was dosing kalkwasser solution into my sump. Now the entire tank is cloudy. Should I do a water change or is it ok to let it dissipate?
Thanks

bertoni · #2 01/27/2007, 05:32 PM

If the pH isn't too bad, you can just wait. Some seltzer water will help lower the pH, if it's very high. Aeration will also do the job.

WaterKeeper · #3 01/27/2007, 05:34 PM

Check the pH pronto and prepare for a major water change. KW can raise the pH to above 12 and that will nuke a tank. If the pH is under 9 you may try small additions of soda water to try to lower it. Do it in small increment so you don't overshoot. Time is of essence here so don't delay.

WaterKeeper · #4 01/27/2007, 05:37 PM

Not bad Jon. Beat me by two minutes on a real emergency thread.

dmbnpj · #5 01/27/2007, 06:03 PM

Thanks for the help guys. I just did a 20% water change and the water is still like milk. Can I go to the grocery store to get some soda water? Just any brand? How much should I use?
Thanks!

sjm817 · #6 01/27/2007, 06:08 PM

Dont panic yet. Check your PH. If it isn't too high (not above 8.5), you have nothing to worry about. If it is high, you can also use distilled white vinegar to lower PH.

dmbnpj · #7 01/27/2007, 06:11 PM

I only have the crappy mr. fish PH test kit. I tested it and the vile turned dark purple. Im guessing that is high since it didnt show that color on the color card.

dmbnpj · #8 01/27/2007, 06:12 PM

I have some white distilled vinegar but I dont have any seltzer water. Which is the best method and how do I dose?

dmbnpj · #9 01/27/2007, 06:12 PM

Oh yah, I have a grocery store right across the street. Should I go get some seltzer water?

WaterKeeper · #10 01/27/2007, 06:17 PM

Sure, and brand doesn't matter as long as it is sugar free (no need to start a bacteria bloom on top of your problem).

and-

For Crying Out Loud--Get a decent pH meter the color kits are really not very accurate or reliable,; especially in an emergency.

You can use vinegar but if much is needed we are back to the bacteria bloom scenario.

dmbnpj · #11 01/27/2007, 06:33 PM

Ok, I used about a liter of soda water and I have an airline tube in the water. I have all my powerheads on also, figuring that will help. Is there anything else I can do in the meantime?

WaterKeeper · #12 01/27/2007, 06:38 PM

Check the pH if it is not down in the next hour then another liter will be in order. Good idea on the air as the soda water can add excess CO₂.

dmbnpj · #13 01/27/2007, 06:45 PM

Its not looking good. Everything is shooting white goo. Starfish died.

dmbnpj · #14 01/27/2007, 06:48 PM

Actually ph is going down. Not so bright purple this time.

WaterKeeper · #15 01/27/2007, 07:08 PM

Give it another shot of soda. If you have baking soda on hand add a couple of tablespoons full. Do be prepared to take more losses but let's save what we can, OK.

dmbnpj · #16 01/27/2007, 07:20 PM

Thanks....just added another liter of soda and added 2 tbs of baking soda. Its clearing up.
Also, shooting the white goo off with a turkey baster is seeming to help also.

JusJim · #17 01/27/2007, 07:21 PM

I'm certainly no expert here, but if you're looking at losing everythihng would it be possible to move everything out of that tank....even if it's to a 5 gallon bucket or something.

Mix up some salt water in the bucket, float the fish in a bag for a bit and dump them in?

If there's a good chance of them not making it anyhow, maybe worth a gamble?

Maybe one of the pros will chime in on the suggestion.

dmbnpj · #18 01/27/2007, 07:25 PM

Thanks for the suggestion but that would be impossible for me. Im dealing with a 75 gallon tank here with corals attached to over 100lbs. of live rock. I only have a couple fish(damsel/clown/mandarin). They tend to do better than the coral. Plus all the coral is what Im concerned about. I appreciate the help though!
............also, starfish must have been playing dead, he's back up on the glass

WaterKeeper · #19 01/27/2007, 07:33 PM

Great to hear. Maybe we nipped this in the bud. Jim-the problem is that the pH that KW can reach can kill everything, even the LR. As DM points out he just can't move the whole kit and kaboodle. It was worth the thought however.

bertoni · #20 01/27/2007, 07:34 PM

I'd lay off the baking soda now and just wait, although water changes might help, if you have any more clean water available.

I agree with WaterKeeper about staying away from vinegar. I can point you at a thread if you want details.

dmbnpj · #21 01/27/2007, 07:57 PM

I havent added any vinegar. So far, all Ive dosed is 2 liters of soda water and 2 tbs of baking soda. Should I add any more soda water?

WaterKeeper · #22 01/27/2007, 07:58 PM

What's the pH doing? That's the $64,000 question.

dmbnpj · #23 01/27/2007, 08:05 PM

I will test again with my color drop test kit (best I can do right now)....also just ordered a Hanna ph tester off ebay.

WaterKeeper · #24 01/27/2007, 08:06 PM

Good move as you are just finding out.

dmbnpj · #25 01/27/2007, 08:06 PM

From color chart, ph looks to be about 7.8