Calcium versus Kalk

[zigrat88]

Ok - new reefer here who has a few LPS's and is very interested if making sure the tank has whatever it needs for max growth. I'm been dosing my tank with kalk via slow drip method and thought this was for bringing the calcium up. However I just noticed the LFS sells calcium products. So...

What the heck is kalk for, and whats the best was to keep / maintain my calcium levels w/o spending hundreds on equipment (for now)

 

[drummereef]

Kalk is for maintaining your alkalinity and calcium levels, not to increase either. Once your alk/calcium is at where you want it that's when you implement kalk. For me, I dose Randy's 2-part and my levels are consistant. You can use products like Turbo Calcium to get the calcium up to where you want. Target 400-450. For alkalinity, use baking soda to raise it up. Target 7-11dkh. Then you can continue the kalk or use a 2-part supplement.

Read this -
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/nov2002/chem.htm
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/feb2003/chem.htm

 

[zigrat88]

Thanks!!!

 

[drummereef]

Hope it helps. Many other useful articles in the chemisty forum. Look for the sticky "reef chemistry articles". :thumbsup: