how much pickling lime?

Discussion in 'Water Chemistry' started by oldfishkeeper, Apr 13, 2014.

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  1. oldfishkeeper

    oldfishkeeper Giant Squid

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    I just bought a bag instead of kalkwasser and wondered how much should I use for one gallon of water?
     
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  3. WhiskyTango

    WhiskyTango Eyelash Blennie

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    Last edited: Apr 13, 2014
  4. SaltyClown

    SaltyClown Sea Dragon

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    I just stopped using pickling lime today because every time I use it, my coraline stops growing and my corals don't looks at happy.
     
  5. Todd_Sails

    Todd_Sails Giant Squid

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    OFK,

    There are some Randy Holmes articles about this I believe, sorry, no link atm.

    Your use will kind of depend on the demand of your DT- Wow- that was an oxymoronic statement!

    Do some trial and error.
    While keeping your Mag. levels right, keep track of your alk and Ca+ every few days, and adjust accordingly.

    As said, after a few Tsps. of Kalc, it will begin to preciptate out. NOt that big of a deal really.

    FWIW- I use a daily slow drip (~3hrs) of:
    60ml Vinegar (by the gallon at Walmart)
    20-25ml of Kalwasser (BRS/ Mrs. Wards) A tsp is 5 ml!

    in 1 gallon of RO/DI water daily.

    With ~ monthly WC, keeps my levels in check, growing like gangbusters, and everyone is happy.

    Using Kalwasser- either kind, you have to add it slowly to keep this from getting PH shocked.

    FWIW- no dosing pumps here, I drip it with an IV dripper I got from work.
    I've seen other post they just tie an knot in the hose and adjust it for a constant, slow drip, drip, drip

    Hope that helps,
    Todd
     
  6. Kevin_E

    Kevin_E Giant Squid

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    Yes, be careful with pH. Pickling lime has a pH of 12.5.
     
  7. Todd_Sails

    Todd_Sails Giant Squid

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    the vinegar actually helps to buffer that, but yes, you are correct- has to be added slowly over some time.

    And as Vin Diesel said at the end or the movie in Tokyo Drift
    'I got nothing but time'
     
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  9. oldfishkeeper

    oldfishkeeper Giant Squid

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    I drip slowly with an IV as well. Thanks all for the information!