Kalkwasser Doser...Drip vs TOP-OFF,what is the best ?

[jaefei]

Dear Randy,

If I want to good maintenance PH and Calcium level,what is the best way to dose Kalkwasser, with Drip system or Top-Off system ?

Thanks...

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

If the top off is added slowly enough, both are fine systems, and the auto top off system could be less work.

I dose limewater from a 44 gallon trash can using a Reef Filler pump and a float switch.

[jaefei]

my tank is 55 gallon. I use top off system to add kalkwasser. it drop 0.5 litre at once. safe or not ?
Sorry...my english not good...

[my2girls]

Randy, when using the drip method, is it better to let the kalkwasser settle or drip it fresh (right after you mix it)? I read somewhere the kalk has more Ca and more buffering capacity when dripped fresh.

Thanks, Rob

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

my tank is 55 gallon. I use top off system to add kalkwasser. it drop 0.5 litre at once.

A half liter directly into a 55 gallon tank, or into a smaller sump?

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Randy, when using the drip method, is it better to let the kalkwasser settle or drip it fresh (right after you mix it)? I read somewhere the kalk has more Ca and more buffering capacity when dripped fresh.


IMO, it is better to let it settle as the solids will take out some of the impurities in the lime, while dosing it while cloudy will send those impurities to the aquarium. I show that in this article:

The Self Purification of Limewater (Kalkwasser)
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/may2003/chem.htm

The concerns about limewater loosing potency are way overblown. I show that in this article:

The Degradation of Limewater (Kalkwasser) in Air
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2003-05/rhf/feature/index.htm

[jaefei]

Yes,drop a half litre in 40 litre sump.How ? I use it and my ph run up every day...

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

A half liter of saturated limewater in a 40 L sump all at once will raise pH too much (more than 0.5 pH units, depending on the alkalinity), IMO. I'd try to get it to dose smaller amounts, if possible.

[jaefei]

So,what is the best system for me to add kalkwasser ?

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

A slow pump is a good choice, IMO. I use a Reef Filler and a float switch delivering limewater from a 44 gallon trash can.

[jaefei]

okey.thanks Randy. God Bless You

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

:thumbsup:

Good luck!

[my2girls]

Thanks for the advice Randy. Your articles have really helped me a lot!

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

I'm glad to have helped.

Happy Reefing. :)