2 part mix and kalk

[buffalo123]

Is there any advantage to using both? If so how would you use a kalk
Calcium chloride, sodium bicarbaonate

Calcium hydrochloride(Kalk)

 

[reefworm]

I use both. Kalk is dripped as my top off, and keeps levels where I like them for the most part. After a time - coral growth spurt maybe? - the levels drop off and then I use the 2-part to "bump" things back into place. the kalk drip holds it after that. I mix the kalk by adding 3T of white vinegar first, then 2 t of Ms. Wage's Pickling Lime and mix. that's per gallon. then RO/DI to make up the gallon.

 

[tsprice82]

I use both as well. For the Two part supplement, I use Randy's two part recipe. It is very inexpensive and keeps my parameters perfect. Mrs. Wage's pickling lime is cheap and easy to find here, but if not Bulk Reef Supply sell Kalk very reasonably.

 

[buffalo123]

I have lots of kalk , i had a 25 lbs bag for years as i don't really use it.
i plan to use it now

 

[ludnix]

I too use kalk in my top off and then randy's 2 part solution for additional supplementation. I don't need to dose any Ca, but I do need to maintain the alkalinity using sodium carbonate.

 

[jdieck]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14719852#post14719852 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by buffalo123
I have lots of kalk , i had a 25 lbs bag for years as i don't really use it.
i plan to use it now

Kalk is Calcium Hydroxide. If you have had the bag for years unless comletely sealed from air most probably is already degraded.

Calcum Hydroxide reacts with the CO2 in the air to form insoluble calcium carbonate, I would suggest you get some fresher Kalk for the purpose.

 

[afboundguy]

I used to do 2 part then I had to use kalk to kill of dinos...

I noticed I needed about half of the 2 part as I used to...

Now I just use 2 part as I don't have a high demand for calcium and everything is growing really good...

 

[buffalo123]

The calcium hyroxide is in seal buckets.
Sorry about the miss labeling . I've had good results with 2 part .
So if i use kalk i don't need to use calcium chloride?

 

[jdieck]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14721742#post14721742 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by buffalo123
The calcium hyroxide is in seal buckets.
Sorry about the miss labeling . I've had good results with 2 part .
So if i use kalk i don't need to use calcium chloride?

Depends on your system calcium and alkaliity consumption.
Kalk will add both calcium and alkalinity but because it has to be added dissolved in RO/DI water the total amount to add is lmited by the total amount of evaporation, in other words you add lime water to replace your evaporation and that will give you a maximum amount you can add with Kalk. Beyond that you may need another form of supplementation.
Tanks that are not heavily loaded with calcium and alkalinity consumers like sps, clams, large amounts of coralline etc. can do well with Kalk only.

 

[Vanquishxxxx]

hey reefworm i am confused on why you use vinigar in your kalk mix.? i ahve been using mrs wages for a while love it but i dont put in vinigar

 

[reefworm]

more free calcium ions. here's the article:
http://www.reefscapes.net/articles/breefcase/kalkwasser.html

 

[jdieck]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14722441#post14722441 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Vanquishxxxx
hey reefworm i am confused on why you use vinigar in your kalk mix.? i ahve been using mrs wages for a while love it but i dont put in vinigar

There is a limit on how much Kalk powder you can dissolve in water. Adding vinegar to the mix increases that amount so the limewater is more concentrated and can deliver more calcium and alkalinity for a given volume. The vinegar in it becomes food for bacteria so got to be careful not to add too much or a bacterial bloom may develop.
I would not use vinegar unless you have reached the maximum amount of alkalinity you can add without using it.
The chart below shows the maximum amount of alkalinity you can add with and without vinegar depending on the % evaporation of your total system net water volume. For every 1 meq/lt (2.8 dKh) of alkalinity added you will be adding about 20 ppm of calcium.
Do not use limewater if you need to adjust the level of calcium or alkalinity independently as one will increase the other and can overshoot the target.
Say if your daily evaporation is 2% of the total volume (2 gallons for every 100 gal in the system) the maximum alkalinity you can add without vinegar will be 2.25 dKh per day and with vinegar it will be about 2.95 dKh.

 

[buffalo123]

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