Another Kalkwasser question

Discussion in 'Water Chemistry' started by Reef_Ninja, Jul 9, 2014.

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  1. Reef_Ninja

    Reef_Ninja Spaghetti Worm

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    As I'm approaching the stage of adding more and more corals, and am looking to start adding more SPS, I have been researching dosing Kalkwasser in an ATO. Im thinking about using a very minimal amount at first, probably 1/2 teaspoon per gallon at first.

    Seems pretty simple, but the one question I have is, wont the Kalk build up in my display system over time if the corals don't use it fast enough?
     
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  3. Corailline

    Corailline Super Moderator

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    It is a dry heat, yeah right !
    You use only the clear solution after the powder has separated/participated out of the solution to the bottom of the container. You'll test Calcium too make sure you're not driving the value up to high. I used 2 per gallon of water and never had an issue.
     
    Last edited: Jul 9, 2014
  4. zesty

    zesty Sailfin Tang

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    that's why when you start dosing kalk, you need to test the depletion in your system. always test, then dose. :)
     
  5. proreefer

    proreefer Feather Star

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    I have found out for me the use of it is not really needed, I use a 2 part cal and alk and have no problems with it, it's a lot easier. it depends on the size of your tank really. the bigger it is and the more coral you have,its really hard to have over 400 with kalk. and the alk stays where its really needs to be.
     
  6. ezz1r

    ezz1r Feather Star

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    When mixing up Kalkwasser water for my existing 90g i usually make 5g at a time. I add two teaspoons per gallon and never had a problem i mix in a 5g bucket and run a old aquarium power-head for 24 hours to assure a good mix. Once mixed i fill up a few old IV bags i picked up and fill them up for future use by saving them in my refrigerator. Every other water change ill slowly drip in to the DT tank at a rate of about 1 drop every 2 second it seems to work great and my corals love it.


    20140804_150833.jpg 20140804_145657(1).jpg


     
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  7. Billme

    Billme Eyelash Blennie

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    Do you find it precipitates when stored in fridge?
     
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  9. ezz1r

    ezz1r Feather Star

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    Not at all then again i don't store it longer than a month or so since i use it with every other WC. I have noticed on occasions a very light film residue build up inside the IV bag itself but it washes out pretty easily when flushed. I attribute this residue to the fact i stopped using coffee filters as a strainer prior to filing the IV bags since it was pretty time consuming as you can imagine but it is of no consequence to the tank corals or bio-load in my experience.

    I have not experienced any adverse reaction since skipping the filtering of the Kalkwasser water as Corailline also mentioned i just allow enough time to allow the heavier elements to settle in the 5g bucket as pictured before filing the IV bags system seems to thrive when i drip a bag every other week with the WC....

    E
     
  10. Kevin_E

    Kevin_E Giant Squid

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    I mix 1 teaspoon per gallon. Little build up in sump, but I flush that out during water changes.
     
  11. Todd_Sails

    Todd_Sails Giant Squid

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    I found it caking up my 1/4" line for my ATO- as it's gravity fed.
    Since then I drip it from a 1g jug, with an IV dripper- daily mixed with a 3 to 1 ml/cc mix of vinegar to help buffer the Kalk and get more in solution.
    Dozens of ways to skin a cat.
     
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