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Originally Posted by Tangster  Just one tablespoon of lime to 5 gallons ? Kind of a weak mix is it not ? When I used to mix I used 2 tablespoons to the gallon and tried to keep the mixing water as cold and or cool as possible. and when I stirred it I did it s slow as possible to not mix air and CO'2 into the batch and then I kept the bucket top on tight. And if you allow the batch to set a few days it will be better also.. As for larger batches it is all the same just use more lime a good batch will have a P.H of 12 to 14 I never found a need for vinegar myself. Still don't All My reactor uses is freshwater with a P.H of 6.9 out of the water filter. watch the vinegar if you have to use it ? But again I'd ask Why use vinegar .. |
hi tangster - I read that he saturation point of calcium hydroxide in 1gal of water is ~2 teaspoons which puts your recipe quite liberal, then again, the stuff is cheap.
actually, my evaporation is low, and my calcium needs are very low (do mussels and crabs use calcium ions to build their shells?), so i really don't need to cram that much ca into solution using vinegar. i guess it is that much more efficient use of materials!
it has brought my pH from 7.6 to 8.2, and [ca] to 400ppm which is nice. no idea what my alkalinity is - ouch, i know.