What is Kalkwasser and Pickling Lime?

So, here I am again with the questions...i know i know....anyway, every time I go to a website for aquarium equipment, I see this Kallkwasswer stuff and yet, I do not know what it is...and I've read a post or two here metioning a "pickling lime", again, no idea what that is.....also, does any of these two have to do with a "carbon reactor" and if so, what is a carbon reactor exactly? How big/small does a tank have to be to really need any of these things? Again....thanks for the info. Laters.

 

pickling lime or kalkwasser is calcium hydroxide do a search on here there was a big thread on it not to long ago in fact here it is http://www.3reef.com/forums/water-c...kalkwasser-32671.html?highlight=pickling lime

here is a good place to buy in bulk Two Part Solution, Discount Calcium and Alkalinity Supplies

Limewater also contains particulates that are critical for understanding how metals are removed from solution. In addition to undissolved calcium hydroxide, limewater often contains calcium carbonate particulates that arise from the reaction between atmospheric carbon dioxide and the limewater.

When carbon dioxide is dissolved in water, it hydrates to form carbonic acid:

(4) CO2 + H2O à H2CO3

In limewater, where the pH is above 11, the carbonic acid dissociates to form carbonate:

(5) H2CO3 + 2OH- à 2H2O + CO3--

The carbonate can then combine with the calcium in solution to form insoluble calcium carbonate:

(6) Ca++ + CO3-- à CaCO3 (solid)

This calcium carbonate can be seen as a solid crust on the surface of limewater that has been exposed to the air for a day or two. It also collects on the bottom of the container.



Chemistry and the Aquarium

 

That's actually where I read about "pickling lime" and dude, I cannot help it...I have no idea what it is...how it works, or how it's used ...same as the kalkwasser....

 

Adding Limewater To Reef Tanks - a.k.a. Calcium or Kalkwasser, An Essential Reef Additive

I'm not crazy about the about com site. But, they have decent links every now and then if you can get past their ads.

Jim