Ca(OH)2

Can ACS grade Ca(OH)2 be used? I'm just trying to figure out the cheapest avenue to gain this. Is there disadvantages of using research grade chems like using NaCl for seasalt...

just wondering... :

 

I don't know exactly what ACS grade means, but if it is similar to research grade, you should be fine. I wouldn't use just sodium chloride for salt as the salt we buy and sea salt has added trace elements, buffers, etc. It wouldn't be the same with adding a lot of different things.

 

Sure. Lot's of people buy Pickling Lime in the canning section of the grocery store instead of buying Kalkwasser in their LFS. You aren't going to find a lot of articles on the best way to use it but you can Google on how to use Kalkwasser....they are both Calcium Hydroxide.

You can also use your own Sodium Chloride to make your own salt but it's a pain. You need to add Mg plus Sr and various trace elements. If you decide to make your own salt, save yourself some time. Aquatic Eco-Systems: Aquaculture Supplies - ProLine® Super Salt Concentrate

 

Thx guys. I was just wondering if I could make up the stuff on my own. So the Kalkwasser is 100% anhydrous Ca(OH)2, or is it in suspension with water? Just trying to figure out molarities etc if I do this...

I wont do the NaCl based on all the other trace elements...that sounds like a killer pain, when I can just buy bulk RC...

Thanks a 10^6 guys... lol

 

It's easier than you might imagine and you can put your calculator away. It is a saturated solution that is dripped at night due to the high pH of the mixture. There's dosing instructions here. What Your Grandmother Never Told You About Lime by Randy Holmes-Farley - Reefkeeping.com

 

I believe 1 tsp of kalk per 1 gal of RO/DI or similar "pure" water is the saturation point. Just remember not to stir too vigorously as that will bring in CO2 causing some Ca to combine with it creating CaCO3 which you do not want until its in the tank...
Also make sure the container is air tight!