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Kalkwasser dosing specifics - share please

Mark_C

Staff member
Officer Emeritus
NJRC Member
Moderator
Hey all, hope the holiday went well :)

So, I'm dosing right now and its all pure guesswork.
I'm hoping to get some insight.

Currently my Alk is low, as is my CA (but not as low). Not going to share numbers just yet, mainly as I havent measured in a week or so.
But, regardless of the ignorance of the scientific method, here's what I'm doing...

Running approximately 120g system.
I'm gravity dripping KW into the tank at a rate of 1 drop every 3-5 seconds.
I have a gallon jar I'm filling with RODI and to that I'm adding 20ml of vinegar with 2tsp of BRS Kalk dissolved in it.
My levels are slowly increasing and my SPS seems to like it, as I'm getting a bit of growth.

If I can bother you folks for some info, it would be appreciated as I figure out how to move forward and evolve.
I think if we all shared info on our methods and results it would be a fantastic resource.
Looking for KW dosing only, not necessarily 2 part, though all information is useful.

So...
How many gallons in your system?
What is your SPS and LPS coral load on scale of 1-10 (or drop a photo)
What is your concentration of Kalk per gallon in teaspoons?
Do you dissolve the kalk in vinegar? If so, how much vinegar do you use?
What is your dosing method? Drip, single peristalic pump, ATO, etc...
What is your rate of dosing?
What are your average levels of Alk? Ca?
Any tips, tricks, or advice vased on your experience with your method?


Most appreciative of any advice offered. Think this might make a nice stickie if enough participate.
 
How many gallons in your system?
225 gallon mix reef sps dominate.

What is your concentration of Kalk per gallon in teaspoons?
Kalkwasser stirrer I add 2 cups every 2 weeks.

Do you dissolve the kalk in vinegar? If so, how much vinegar do you use?
No

What is your dosing method? Drip, single peristalic pump, ATO, etc...
kalk stirrer fed by ato and 2 part with a apex dos


What is your rate of dosing?
Around 2 gallons of Kalk fully saturated plus 100mls of brs alk and calcium because kalk cant keep up with demand.

What are your average levels of Alk? Ca?
alk is between 7.5 and 8 calcium 420 to 450

I would stop dosing for one day. Test at like 8 pm then test again the next day at 8 pm to find out what your demand is. Use this dosing calculator Reef Chemistry Calculator it will calculate the kalk dose for you then test once a day for a week to dail it in.20191222_140803.jpg
 

Mark_C

Staff member
Officer Emeritus
NJRC Member
Moderator
Other concern is finding a new, quality Alk and CA test kit.
 
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