Switching to kalk

[TigerBarbs]

2 part was starting to get little expensive so i got a little tub of kalk. Im not exactly sure how to use it though since i dont have an ATO. I dont know what concentration to start off with. Any help?

 

[fort384]

BRS has some pretty detailed info on starting Kalk: Kalkwasser Instructions - Instructions - Bulk Reef Supply

 

[Phranque]

2 part was starting to get little expensive so i got a little tub of kalk. Im not exactly sure how to use it though since i dont have an ATO. I dont know what concentration to start off with. Any help?

Mix your own 2-part..... super cheap & very easy to do. I make a gallon of each for a total of about $2.00.....

An Improved Do-it-Yourself Two-Part Calcium and Alkalinity Supplement System by Randy Holmes-Farley - Reefkeeping.com

 

[TigerBarbs]

Im going to try to use the kalk first if i can. And the brs article is good but its for using it with an auto top off unit. I just dont know what concentration to use and how much to drip in.

 

[MikeYQM]

Max concentration is 2 tablespoons per gallon of RO water. I would start small at .5-1 tablespoons and work up as needed. Lime (kalk) has a ph of about 14 so you have to monitor your ph while dosing. Mix a gallon or so, place the container above your tank & start a siphon into your system. Tie a few knots in the airline so you get a drip every 2-3 seconds or so (monitoring your ph).

When you mix it, let it stand for 30 mins & do not dose the milky stuff at the bottom. Only mix the clear liquid.

Monitor your ph & Alk/Calcium & adjust your concentration accordingly.

 

[TigerBarbs]

Finally!!!! Straight forward instructions!! Lol thanks a lot!!!

 

[TigerBarbs]

Feeling really dumb asking this question lol my ph is at 8.2 right now and my calcium is only at 380-390 so how can i raise my calc without my PH getting higher?

 

[TigerBarbs]

If it helps at all, i cant really dose a whole gallon. I have no where to put the jug and i cant keep filling up a gatorade bottle 3 times a day

 

[MikeYQM]

It's tough to raise calcium a lot with lime because of the ph swing. A swing of .2 ph is safe though. If you want a larger boost, you can add vinegar to your RO water which helps keep the ph down and increases the maximum lime you can mix to about 3tbsp/gallon.

What's your Alk at?

 

[MikeYQM]

By the way, the ph rise is temporary. If you have a stable ph already your system will help buffer it back down to normal (after you stop dosing of course). This is why a small swing is ok (.2).

 

[TigerBarbs]

Jeez i didnt think my alk would spike! Its at 11