Kalkwasser Q&A

[ecam]

Im considering adding this to my growing list of reactors. I see the main benefits are PH stability and Calcium additives... Is there any downside to using this?

My current set-up is 120 (planned mix reef) w\ 30 gallon sump and w\ GFO and Carbon running.

I also have a JBJ ATO w\ a 5.5 gallon tank housing the TOP OFF WATER.. Any ideas or suggestion on using the ATO to dose the KALK, i've seen it done on websites, just want to get more information on any cons and ideas for setting up and possible equipment (Can i use a spare phos canister from TLF to dose it?)...



Thanks

 

[Hawkeye]

pro: relatively cheap way (vs getting two part) for maintaining ph/alk. )btw I wouldn't necessarily set up kalk for small nanos as you can just use 2 part fine. The ROI doesn't make sense.)

con: i have read about a few setups where the automated over-dosing of kalk causes a tank crash.

i would consider getting a kalk reactor.

 

[trivan]

I would also recommend a Kalk reactor. I have my reactor feeding my ATO container via a BRS dosing pump. I'm not sure if its true, but I feel this limits my chances of an overdose if the pump starts to run endlessly.

 

[ecam]

I just got off the phone with BRS.... The guys is suggesting that I mix the Kalk into my ATO water and just let it sit in my 5.5 container and let the JBJ ATO take care of the rest...

Few questions....

1.) I thought exposed Kalk was destroyed by air, so if thats the case? Wouldnt it be useless in a day or two?

2.) and if it's not destroyed, wouldn't it settle to the bottom of the tank over the week it takes to go to empty and not dose anything pr worst be too concentrated toward the end of the tank?

 

[downbeach]

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2003-05/rhf/feature/index.php

I use two gallons of top off a day. I just pour it in. I refill my container with RO/DI water and add two tsp. of Kalk, shake it, cap it, and use it the next day. I do have an ATO, but only use it when I go away on vacations.

 

[jgraz]

Ecambero, that was the way i was thinking about doing it. Besides the threat of valve sticking are there any other concerns with doubt it this way.

Jim do you top off manually thought the day.

From what I've read you simply mix it. But only use the clear water that remains afterwards.

 

[Hawkeye]

I just got off the phone with BRS.... The guys is suggesting that I mix the Kalk into my ATO water and just let it sit in my 5.5 container and let the JBJ ATO take care of the rest...

Few questions....

1.) I thought exposed Kalk was destroyed by air, so if thats the case? Wouldnt it be useless in a day or two?

2.) and if it's not destroyed, wouldn't it settle to the bottom of the tank over the week it takes to go to empty and not dose anything pr worst be too concentrated toward the end of the tank?

you can certainly do this. I didn't try this with the tunze ato as the pump for the tunze sits at the bottom of the reservoir which would eventually gum up the pump if you have all the kalk settling in there. I am not familiar with the jbj ato so maybe that is not an issue.

 

[jgraz]

My biggest concern was not really the valve sticking but that the pump would put too much at once. My pump is very small but usually is on/off many times each day. I use a back up valve to shut down just in case

 

[adesimone1]

We run RO direct to the tanks with a float in the sump We have a bucket of kalk set up with a inter venous line gravity feeding into our sump. This way you can never over feed the tank with kalk.

 

[ecam]

Here are my current specs for discussion:

0 Nitrates
0 Phos
123 Alk
543 Calcium
8 PH
35 Salinity

 

[downbeach]

Jim do you top off manually thought the day.

No, I just pour it in, and make another batch for the next day.