Am I doing it right, kalk dripping that is?

[Mark75]

Here is my kalk dripping method. I add 1/2 tsp. of kalk to a quart jar, fill with RO/DI water and stir. I let the kalk settle to the bottom and drip the clear RO/DI water. Should I be dripping the milky slurry? I was under the assumption that the clear liquid was a super saturated calcium and H2O and that the milky liquid would cause precipitation.

[pscheel]

Tagging along.

[fraggin]

yep you want to use the clear on top, i'd suggest using a gallon jug would be easier to use.

[bertoni]

The slurry at the bottom can be a variety of precipitates, none of which are helpful in a tank. :) Just pitch it.

[Mark75]

Is there any way to know how much a given amount of kalk will or should affect calcium levels? Does kalk also effect alk.? I am seeing very little effect of dripping one quart every other night in my 30 gallon tank. I can elevate cal. and alk. very easy with Kent's two-part but not with kalk. only?

[CapitalO]

Kalkwasser is actually water with calcium and hydroxide ions in solution. Alk is basically the sum of all the basic stuff in solution; since hydroxide ions are very basic, they make a contribution to your alkalinity. Kalkwasser should raise your calcium and alk in proportion to eachother.

[bertoni]

http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2005-01/rhf/index.php

That article covers lime in detail.