KALKWASSER dosage

[fnscasey]

Is it true that :

When Calcium Hydroxide solution (Kalkwasser) is slowly dripped into your aquarium, it captures free Carbon Dioxide present in the tank water and converts it to Bicarbonate ions (which is a good thing), like this:

Ca++ + 2(OH-) + 2(CO2) <==> Ca++ + 2(HCO3-)

If you drip too fast or if there is not enough Carbon Dioxide available in the water, your shiny new Bicarbonate ions will be converted to Carbonate ions (a bad thing), like this:

Ca++ + 2(OH-) + 2(HCO3-) <==> Ca++ + 2(CO3--) + 2 H2O

So, too rapid addition of Kalk may actually cause the Calcium and Alkalinity in your tank to go DOWN instead of UP (a bad thing), like this:

Ca++ + 2(HCO3-) + Ca++ + 2(OH-) <==> 2 CaCO3 + 2 H2O

http://www.reefscapes.net/articles/breefcase/kalkwasser.html[/url]

 

[reefrunner69]

Yes it is true

 

[Biggen]

How often does this happen though? Just curious...

 

[fnscasey]

So for dosing kalkwasser, we need to use dripping method to replace the evaporated saltwater for maximum result.

 

[fnscasey]

Is distilled water same as the water from the RO/DI unit ?

Can we use distilled water(is it a better choice than tap water ) for kalkwasser ?

 

[fishfreek]

Yes you can use distilled for kalk mixing.

The deal is to not just pour kalkwater into your tank. The resulting effects can really be negitive.

 

[reefrunner69]

How often does this happen though? Just curious...

I suppose it would happen each time you added the kalk too quickly. Which brings another point, how quick is too quick?? I have always held the opinion...if you can count the drops, it's slow enough.