Kalkwasser

[SpaceFish]

Is there any way to successfully dose this w/o dripping?

I don't have a sump and can't think of anyway to drip this so could I just dose it once a day w/ topoff?

Any other ideas?
Thanks
SpaceFish

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

I discuss a number of dosing options in this article, but IMO, the best methods are slow addition, whether dripped or added via slow pump:

What Your Grandmother Never Told You About Lime
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2005-01/rhf/index.htm

The problem with any rapid addition is the pH rise. That is OK for a very small addition, but not otherwise.

[SpaceFish]

Thanks for the info!!

Through reading it seems that for my 75g, I should be ok to adding roughly 1/4 tsp with a liter of water once in the morning and once at night.

Sound good?

I know this is not ideal but, its better than nothing and I can't drip.

Thanks again for the help!

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

That's probably OK, but it won't boost calcium and alkalinity very much.

[SpaceFish]

Well my hopes were to maintain.

I seem to use lots of Reef Complete and Reef Builder and was thinking that I could use the Kalk to maintain both one they are at the levels.

Can you recommend a better solution? (without drip)

Thanks again for the help

[PinCave]

I also hate to setup a drip system, as mine tend to plugged up by the sediment.

Would it be ok to do the following?
1. Mix the Kalkwasser and let it settle for an hour or two
2. then take the top portion of the liquid and pour into a pre-mixed salt water.
3. Run an air pump to lower the pH overnight.
4. Check the pH to make sure it's within reason.
5. Dump the water into the display tank.

I 've never tried this, but would it work?


Pin

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

I'd use a two part system, if you don't want to use a slow pump or a Nilsen limewater reactor.

No, the plan above is not a good one. The high pH and subsequent CO2 addition will cause precipitation of calcium and magnesium carbonate (and possibly other things) that won't redissolve as the pH drops.