AragaMilk and Skimmer

[grouper25]

In an attempt to raise my CA, I added the prescribed dose of "Aragamilk" to my 220 the other night. Within 2 hours, my MRC skimmer really stopped bubbling and producing skimate. I did a 35 gallon water change 3 days later but in vain. My calc is now 420 and Alk 2.4.

I trust it may have had some ill effect on the surface tension of the water or that it contains a surfactant like compound which has inhibited production of bubbles. I had the skimmer on all night last evening and had nothing this morning in the collection cup.

Anyone have a clue here????
Thanks Mates

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

IMO, the aragamilk is not a useful additive. The calcium carbonate that it adds will not dissolve in seawater. FWIW, both calcium and alkalinity tests can be fooled by fine calcium carbonate particles in the water.

I review it here:

Calcium Carbonate as a Supplement (Aragamight; Liquid Reactor)
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/july2002/chem.htm


FWIW, hydrophobic particles (like aragonite covered with organics) particles would be known and expected to pop bubbles in skimmers. i cover that here:

What is Skimming?
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-08/rhf/index.php

specifically here:

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-08/rhf/index.php#12

 

[grouper25]

Thanks very much Randy the the guidance. Have some fine reading scheduled for this evening.

John

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

You're welcome.

Happy reefing.