CUNAReefer
New member
Hi Blakers,
Hope all is well!
There was a time when I did use a resevoir. The reason why I went for the stirrer was due to less maintenance and a smaller foot print. With the 5 gallon resevoir, I had to constantly add and mix kalk. It became a constant task for me. I used a GEO mixer, but found that the pump constantly jammed. I then went for the Avast Marine K1 stirrer with a BRS doser and I will never go back. Think of it as a self mixing resevoir. Add kalk every two weeks, and then set your dosing rate to match your evaporation. It never jams! I've always worried about float switches, sensors, and other types of devices. The possibility of it getting stuck just worries me. In fact, I had a float switch get stuck a couple of times. Fortunately, I caught it in time.
In my earlier days as a reefing hobbiest, I did use two part (Kent 2 part). When I decided to go more towards SPS around 2004, I went with a Ca Reactor. I then heard about the amazing success the European reef keepers were having with the combination of Kalk/Ca Reactor. It was down hill since. I did try to chase after a Ph of 8.4 after reading "The Reef Aquarium: Science, Art, and Technology", but I later learned chasing after a target Ph level only slows my growth. Now I let the Ph drop to 7.9 every night and I finally get the growth I want. There are other approaches I can take to raise the Ph of my Ca reactor effluent, but I'm pretty happy with my current process.
As for how much kalk to RODI water, I used the suggestion in "The Reef Aquarium: SAT". 2/3 tablespoon per gallon. You can always add excess kalk to ensure a saturation state though.
If your 3 part is working for you, I say go for it!:thumbsup:
On a final note, the Avast Marine Stirrer has a Ph probe that I need to use. It would be nice to see when the Ph drops so I know the exact day I need to change out the kalk.
Warmest Regards,
James
