I'm currently using brs 2 part to maintain calc ,alk, and mag. My tank is moderately stocked lps and sps. The issue is I can't maintain a level dkh leaving me to dose roughly 4oz soda ash daily to maintain dkh 12. Which keeps my ph 8.2 give or take. Question is should I just start putting soda ash in my ato or give kalkwasser a try but....calcium isn't the issue I've read on the Internet kalkwasser help stabilize dkh better so its on the Internet so it's got to be true right! Calcium level440 mag is always on the high side on the charts 1600+
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Kalkwasser
- Thread starter Rwc
- Start date
[FONT=&]The uptake of Ca and Alk, by “stony” type coral, coralline algae, etc. in a reef system is [/FONT][FONT=&]20 ppm Ca to 50 ppm(2.8dKH) Alk(CaCO3), which is a ratio of 2 pts Ca to 5 pts Alk (2:5)[/FONT][FONT=&]. Equal doses of any two part supplements are designed to provide the same ratio's. So, you're going to see what appears to be a higher level of uptake of Alkalinity due to this ratio of use, and the fact that there is less in reserve in your system. I keep my Ca ~ 410 and Alk ~ 7.
Saturated kalkwasser also contains this same ratio, @ ~ 800 ppm Ca(2pts.) to 2,000 ppm CaCO3(5pts.). It also has the added benefit of utilizing some of the CO2 in your system, which may help keep your pH in line. Even though I'm using a two part recipe, I also still use the kalk in my dosing regimen. The problem with kalk is that it’s limited in its ability to keep up with a high demand due to the fact that you’re limited to how much you can add to RO/DI water (2tsp./gal.), and your evaporation rate. You can boost that to 3 tsp./gal. with the addition of vinegar(45mL/gal.), but that also adds a carbon source, and potentially other issues. You'll need to let your current numbers drop a bit before you can start using Kalk, it will provide both Ca and Alk, but will do nothing for Mg.
I'd make sure the salinity is right, by measuring it using a calibrated (@35ppt) refractometer, or metering device. This will ensure you are adding enough Ca, Alk and Mg when you do your WC's. With normal WC's mixed to a salinity of 1.026, using a "reef" grade of salt mix, i.e. Reef Crystals, I've never had to add Mg.[/FONT]
Saturated kalkwasser also contains this same ratio, @ ~ 800 ppm Ca(2pts.) to 2,000 ppm CaCO3(5pts.). It also has the added benefit of utilizing some of the CO2 in your system, which may help keep your pH in line. Even though I'm using a two part recipe, I also still use the kalk in my dosing regimen. The problem with kalk is that it’s limited in its ability to keep up with a high demand due to the fact that you’re limited to how much you can add to RO/DI water (2tsp./gal.), and your evaporation rate. You can boost that to 3 tsp./gal. with the addition of vinegar(45mL/gal.), but that also adds a carbon source, and potentially other issues. You'll need to let your current numbers drop a bit before you can start using Kalk, it will provide both Ca and Alk, but will do nothing for Mg.
I'd make sure the salinity is right, by measuring it using a calibrated (@35ppt) refractometer, or metering device. This will ensure you are adding enough Ca, Alk and Mg when you do your WC's. With normal WC's mixed to a salinity of 1.026, using a "reef" grade of salt mix, i.e. Reef Crystals, I've never had to add Mg.[/FONT]
I've never had to add mag either , currently using reef crystals. I just dropped a few hundred bucks this morning ordered a second energy bar 8 for the apex , a break out box and a brs brand dosing pump. After staying up till about 3am reading ,I think I'm going try just dosing alk for a weeks and see how that goes befor I get involved with the kalkwasser.