Kalkwasser?? Help

Just wondering, can you mix Kalk and then add it to your tank as an additive and not a drip?

Anybody dosing kalk like this?



I am currently using 2 part, but heard good things about kalk.

 

I don't think you can do that unless you mix it with vinegar. You have to be sure you don't raise your pH too much, too quickly.
Kalk raises pH a lot quicker that 2 part.
You can make an easy DIY dripper for kalk and it would also act as an ato.

PS: I've never tried the vinegar, so I can't really comment on it.

 

You can't do that with or without vinegar. Kalk should be added as slow as feasible.

 

You can google Kalkwasser Slurry Method but it's not really a great idea unless on has a really large tank. If you pour too fast, you'll precipitate Magnesium out of solution and you'll spike pH to a point that could potentially kill livestock.

 

Do not add a lot at once. It spikes the pH. Losing the pinch roller on my old drip I found it is a good way to kill xenia though.

Kalk only without 2 part is good for softies/LPS, but not SPS in my very recent experience. I just went back to two part and kalk on my SPS tank very recently.

 

i put kalk in my ATO water. but thats so sensitive it only adds small amounts of kalk water when the water level in the sump drops the slightest. keeps my ph stable. and calcium level at a good number 440

 

Whether it is the right or wrong way to do it, I've had a good experience adding it to my ATO water. I had a big problem raising my ph prior to doing this. Now my ph has remained in the 8.2-8.3 range (Pinpoint PH Meter) and my calcium has kept in the 400-420 range with no extra dosing above water changes.

I of course pre-mix, then siphon out of the mixing container to another container prior to adding to my ato so I do not get the extra bits at the bottom.

I also use a very small kalk to water ratio.

 

What's the general rule of thumb ration when mixing kalk with your ATO water? I heard start very very slow, say around one cup per 5 gallons of water and then increase to 2 cups if needed. Is this right?

 

I would say to start with much less. Last thing you want to do is overdose. Then test, test and test, over a week or so. You can always increase dosage, tough to go back.

 

To saturate the water, it's about 2 tsp to a gallon.