45 gallon Kalk Still Reservoirs

[bigzman]

Randy,

I am going to try your Still Reservoirs method and wanted to know if you recommend adding Iodine and Stromuim as well. Also I have a float valve in the sump. Will the Kalk clog that float valve? Also should I add vinegar? I will place the 45 gallon Reservoir 5 feet above the floor and attach a ¼ bulk head about 1 ½ inch high. I plan to gravity feed the sump with the float valve. Do you see any problems that I should avoid? Also should I leave a power head in the tank to move the kalk every 12 hours on a timer?

Thanks,
ZC

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

No, I do not add either of those. Strontium stays above NSW levels in my aquarium without addition, and I've not found an organism that needs iodine that I keep.

These articles explain my understanding of these issues in more detail:

Strontium
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/nov2003/chem.htm

Magnesium and Strontium in Limewater
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/dec2003/chem.htm

Iodine in Marine Aquaria: Part I
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/mar2003/chem.htm

Iodine in Reef Tanks 2: Effects on Macroalgae Growth
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/april2003/chem.htm

The lime may clog a float valve (I use a float switch). I'd run some acid through it once it a while to keep it clean.

I do not use vinegar. I'd think about adding that after you have it set up and running, and find out that it is necessary (or not).

I do not think it necessary (or even desirable) to stir the limewater, once originally dissolved. That stirring may hasten the degradation via reaction with air. Just cover with a lid.

[bigzman]

Randy,

I will be gone for 14 day and My math tells me that 45 gallon should be more then enough make up water. My question to you is does this help reduce Nitrates? I have a 90 gallon tank with 30 gallon sump. I change about 10 gallon weekly to keep nitrates at 0. Will this automatic solution help with it. I don't think so becuase I am not replace water. But just wanted to see what you think.

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

No, sorry :D , limewater added as top off water does nothing for nitrate.

[bigzman]

Randy,

It is now 6 months and this method has worked very well. I do have some follow-up questions. I have since swapped salt and went back to my old.

1. Water is not evaporating as fast as the summer time. Is this the reason for my recent low Alk and Ca. ( 110 gallons total and evap now 1 gallom per day. I was in the summer time evaporating 5 gallons per day.

2. If I do put fans on it to try to evaporate more I lower my temp. Do you recommend that I also add two part supplements?

3. I have also switched to a float switch since as well as a doser. PH is pretty low also. SG is 1024. Day time PH8.1 night 7.9. Any suggestions on how to rise it while using Kalk?

Thanks for the help on this. I have been able to keep good growth with this methode.

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Water is not evaporating as fast as the summer time. Is this the reason for my recent low Alk and Ca. ( 110 gallons total and evap now 1 gallom per day. I was in the summer time evaporating 5 gallons per day.

That could be, yes. A fan may help, or maybe use a two part in addition to the limewater during slow evaporation periods. Either is a fine option. Both have costs associated with it.

Adding 45 ml of vinegar per gallon of limewater (and then use 3 teaspoons lime per gallon of limewater) may also be a suitable option for boosting the calcium and alkalinity.

I have also switched to a float switch since as well as a doser. PH is pretty low also. SG is 1024. Day time PH8.1 night 7.9. Any suggestions on how to rise it while using Kalk?

More limewater (the fan option, for example) or a high pH two part, and maybe dose only or mostly at night when pH is otherwise the lowest.