checklist for starting my kalk mixing

[o0jmadr0x0o]

so i have been planning to starting dosing kalkwasser.
i have a a topoff from autotopoff.com
a 10g tank for ato
a toms aquatics aqualifter that i have dripping into the tank at about the same rate the water is evaprating.
i just picked up some kent kalkwasser so im going to get this thing started.
just double checking on how i am going to mix it

im going to put 10tbs of the mix into my ato tank, mix it for 10 min with a seio 820, let it sit for 24 hours then scoop out the crap that comes to the surface and i am good to go?

let me know if i am missing something

 

[der_wille_zur_macht]

That will work fine, but you don't really need to scoop out any "crap." As long as the tube leading from the topoff tank to your system isn't right near the bottom, it won't pick up any solids. It's arguably more important to ensure that you don't aerate it too much while it's mixing.

In fact, many kalk reactors are designed to be over-filled with powdered kalk and mixed at regular intervals.

Randy has lots of good articles on these topics:

http://archive.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=102605

 

[o0jmadr0x0o]

is there a better method then a power head to mix it? like manualy mixing it

 

[Alaskan Reefer]

I manually mix for about 15 seconds per 45 gallon batch. It doesn't take much mixing to reach saturation, and overmixing that involves any aeration only reduces potency. Reactors are airtight, so continual stirring is okay -- but they're no more effective or convenient. In the "still reservoir" method I use, I mix quickly, let the crust form on top and the unused kalk / sediment settle to the bottom, and dose until it's empty before doing it all over again.

10 tbs in 10 gallons will result in 10 gallons of saturated kalk and about 3 tbs of leftovers. 2 tsp per gallon is normal saturation point unless you introduce vinegar or other carbon to allow supersaturation. You may want to start at a lower dose of say 1 tsp per gallon to see if that's adequate for your system (locks and maintains calcium and alkalinity levels) -- excess kalk tends to show up on heaters, powerheads, and in clumpy or worse cement sand.

Once you get comfortable with it, switch to Mrs. Wages pickling lime. It's basically identical to commercial "kalkwasser."

 

[o0jmadr0x0o]

thanks for all the help!
i think im mixed and ready to go, how long should i wait before i start dosing?

 

[THE ROOK]

Be sure to check your alk daily for a few days. I spiked mine to over 17. Also, no need to start off at full saturation. It's better to work up to it in order to avoid potential problems.

Also, do you have a lid made for the tank. If not, I'd recommend making one out of some 1/4" acrylic.