Kalk and RO?

[jstoehr]

Should I add kalk to my RODI water for top offs?

[dkh0331]

If you need to add calcium, then yes. Make sure you test your Ca levels to determine that you do need calcium, and how much. And if you do add kalk, drip it over nite or follow Anthony Calfo's slurry meathod. You shouldn't just add a spoonfull or two to your top off and add it to your tank/sump.

HTH

David

[jstoehr]

Should I be concerned about the ph of my RO is 7.0 and the tank should be 8.2. I have to add about 1/2 to 3/4 of a gallon a day. I test once a week, and last night the ph was 8.0 I know it's nothing alarming just trying to understand.

[dkh0331]

A pH of 7.0 is right on for your RO/DI water. That is what it should be. If you are adding that to your tank, then it will lower your pH of the tank. You can add a buffer to bring it up to 8.2, or there abouts.

If you decide to add/drip kalk, then you would not need to buffer the water, bascially the kalk solution will do that.

HTH

David

[jstoehr]

What should I add to bufffer the water to 8.2?

[jstoehr]

bump

[Mariner]

You can buy Buffer made for this online or at an LFS -- it says BUFFER right on it. There are other ways of taking care of this too. But right now it sounds like you need a little better handle on Calcium/ALK and pH in the Marine Aquarium (don't we all :rolleyes: ). I would recommend THIS ARTICLE (http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/nov2002/chem.htm) .
Head over to the Reef Chemistry forum here on RC. If you have questions, ask Randy -- he's very knowledgable/helpful.
HTH,
Mariner

[jstoehr]

Thanks a lot!

[David P]

you can also make your own buffer. Arm&Hammer baking soda. You can also mix this with Arm&Hammer laundry booster (NOT detergent!) at about 4-1 parts.