Debating Kalkwasser Dosing

[BigJohnny]

FWIW, I dose fully saturated limewater( ie 2 tsps of calcium hydroxide per gallon ) from a still reservoir via perstaltic pump and have for about 8 years. I dose a set amount approximating daily top off and spread it out 24/7 so it's dosed in small increments throughout the day and night. ATO applications may result in agitation in the reservoir and variations in dosing related to variations in tank evaporation rates and bursts in dosing tied to the timing of top off additions; those scenarios can result in pH spikes and precipitation .

You just said your setup doses an amount approximating daily top off, so if you used it in your auto top off, it would be the same. The only difference is the spread throughout the day via peristaltic pump on timer but this can be accomplished with a sophisticated ato (tunze osmolator) where you can regulate flow speed and use a timer as well (mine is on a slow drip) . I dont see agitation being an issue with proper pump, however it should be suspended 1-2 inches off of the bottom of the container to eliminate dosing precipitate. Both great options. Most people's evaporation is pretty constant, but if not (and a good idea anyway) spikes can be eliminated with pH and timer failsafes just like a dosing pump.

 

[BigJohnny]

I meant most peoples evaporation is pretty consistent* , not constant

 

[tmz]

You just said your setup doses an amount approximating daily top off, so if you used it in your auto top off, it would be the same.

No it wouldn't. Top off varies in relation to a number of conditions. When relative humidity is high in the room it can be substantilally less and vice versa for example,IME. It will also vary at diferent6 times of the day if temp fluctuates.

I preset an amount (18 liters or limewater in my case for the 650 gallons system)that amount is dosed regardless of the actual top off and is disbursed in 150 equal increments over the course of 24 hours. When that isn't enough a small amount of ro water completes the top off.

Yes the inlet tube should be kept off the bottom to avoid dosing the slurry ,any agitation is likely to stir some particles up Surface agitation is another issue which in a still reservoir is non existent and a film of calcium carbonate forms at the surface to help close it off. Surface agitation does increase CO2 entering the limewater ,the CO2 joins the hydroxide in the dosing vessel froming CO3 ther which will precipitate and deplete it's strength.

 

[BigJohnny]

You just said your setup doses an amount approximating daily top off, so if you used it in your auto top off, it would be the same.

No it wouldn't. Top off varies in relation to a number of conditions. When relative humidity is high in the room it can be substantilally less and vice versa for example,IME. It will also vary at diferent6 times of the day if temp fluctuates.

I preset an amount (18 liters or limewater in my case for the 650 gallons system)that amount is dosed regardless of the actual top off and is disbursed in 150 equal increments over the course of 24 hours. When that isn't enough a small amount of ro water completes the top off.

Yes the inlet tube should be kept off the bottom to avoid dosing the slurry ,any agitation is likely to stir some particles up Surface agitation is another issue which in a still reservoir is non existent and a film of calcium carbonate forms at the surface to help close it off. Surface agitation does increase CO2 entering the limewater ,the CO2 joins the hydroxide in the dosing vessel froming CO3 ther which will precipitate and deplete it's strength.

Haha bud, if you dose approximately your daily top off, then you approximilately top off your tank with kalkwasser haha. Pretty straightforward.

 

[sixpackgarage]

I've been using Kalk+2 in a TLF reactor pushed by my Tunze ATO pump. Works well. Potent stuff. Not a scientific way to dose, but it works as long as you're in tune with the process and the variation caused by evaporation rate and of course remember to test the water.

 

[bobbychullo]

Haha bud, if you dose approximately your daily top off, then you approximilately top off your tank with kalkwasser haha. Pretty straightforward.

not really. my litermeter is not approximate, it is dead accurate. my daily top off is approximate, it changes. with a dosing pump you have complete control over how much and when you dose your kalk. if you rely on evaporation, it is inconsistent. which is something you do not want when dosing kalk. the tunze ato which i have has a pump that will most definitely agitate the water along with the water container from the vibration it causes, you can see it radiating across the surface of the top off water container.

my top off easily fluctuates between one gallon and two gallons a day, it is never the same one day to the next. i'd rather be in control of my kalk dose (and to an extent my Ph) my tank likes the solid consitent doses...

 

[tmz]

Haha bud, if you dose approximately your daily top off, then you approximilately top off your tank with kalkwasser haha. Pretty straightforward.

Nothing funny about it.; no need for derisive laughter.It is always 18 liters of clear limewater disbursed evenly and slowly thoughout the 24 hour day;not 19 or 20 or 21 on some days and not unevenly disbursed over the 24 hour cycle and not exposed to extra CO2 or dsoed with particulates. It's pretty simple. I stated it clearly enough; so it's understandable to most.

 

[CStrickland]

My top off varies from 3/4 to 1 1/2 gallons per day with the seasons, so the difference can reach 2% of my dt volume. Seems not insignificant to me. Maybe in a more temperate climate it's less of an issue, but I wouldn't say that most people's is consistent.

 

[tmz]

My top off varies from 3/4 to 1 1/2 gallons per day with the seasons, so the difference can reach 2% of my dt volume. Seems not insignificant to me. Maybe in a more temperate climate it's less of an issue, but I wouldn't say that most people's is consistent.

If you were dosing 3/4 gallon of limewater vs 1.5 gallons dosed tied to the ato means double the calcium and alk supplement on some days .
Dosing 3/4 gallon per day everyday ftrom a reservoir independent of the top off process with any difference in daily top off needs made up with RO provides consistent alk and calcium dosing vs as much as 100% variance otherwise.

 

[BigJohnny]

Everyone has their own opinion [emoji6]

 

[BigJohnny]

For a budget solution, can also use a DIY dripper that drips an amount which "approximates your daily top off". Then you can play with the potency to achieve the desired effects. BRS has a kit for one if you want a ready to go package. Only downside is you likely have to mix a fresh one every day unless you use a massive dripper haha.

 

[BigJohnny]

Haha bud, if you dose approximately your daily top off, then you approximilately top off your tank with kalkwasser haha. Pretty straightforward.

Nothing funny about it.; no need for derisive laughter.It is always 18 liters of clear limewater disbursed evenly and slowly thoughout the 24 hour day;not 19 or 20 or 21 on some days and not unevenly disbursed over the 24 hour cycle and not exposed to extra CO2 or dsoed with particulates. It's pretty simple. I stated it clearly enough; so it's understandable to most.

Everyone has their own opinion on what's funny, how about you worry about what you think is funny.

 

[BigJohnny]

My top off varies from 3/4 to 1 1/2 gallons per day with the seasons, so the difference can reach 2% of my dt volume. Seems not insignificant to me. Maybe in a more temperate climate it's less of an issue, but I wouldn't say that most people's is consistent.

Hey strickland, yea that could be a significant variation depending on how saturated your kalk is and how frequently your evaporation varies and by how much. In my experience, and the experiences of the majority of my reef club who utilize kalk in an ATO, the variation is insignificant. All my tanks have evaporated extremely consistently as well. I live in virginia for reference.

 

[BigJohnny]

not really. my litermeter is not approximate, it is dead accurate. my daily top off is approximate, it changes. with a dosing pump you have complete control over how much and when you dose your kalk. if you rely on evaporation, it is inconsistent. which is something you do not want when dosing kalk. the tunze ato which i have has a pump that will most definitely agitate the water along with the water container from the vibration it causes, you can see it radiating across the surface of the top off water container.

my top off easily fluctuates between one gallon and two gallons a day, it is never the same one day to the next. i'd rather be in control of my kalk dose (and to an extent my Ph) my tank likes the solid consitent doses...

Hey man yea I wasn't talking to you, I quoted tmz. That's a significant variation in evaporation on your size display, also a lot in general. Do you have halides?

Btw I mentioned that part of using kalk in an ATO is a pH failsafe. Prevents the inconsistency or spikes you'd be afraid of. Like I said, in my experience, I've always had consistent evaporation.

Btw, I like your pic [emoji106]