Does anyone still use Kalk as their only source of Cal/Alk?

[austin93]

I was thinking about dropping the 2 part dosing and going with a new TLF KW reactor for my setup. I have a 150 with almost all sps. Some small colonies, mostly big frags. Any input would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Jeff]

I use only kalk but I don't have that many sps corals. I have mostly softies and lps. Dosing kalk keeps everything stable but if things start to drop, I add a little 2 part to keep the levels up. So far it's worked for me.

 

[shifty51008]

right now I only use kalk however I only have 6 SPS frags still small

 

[austin93]

Thanks for the input guys, I'm just afraid that it will be insufficient for my needs. Sounds good in theory.

 

[shifty51008]

you can always use both together if the kalk isn't enough alone. you will just use less 2 part. that is my plan.

 

[jdm1114]

I have a 180 gallon and kalk isnt enough, I have small, medium and a few big sps colonies. I use it for top off and I also use two part. If I didnt use kalk for all my evap. water then I would be using at 4-5 times more two part solution every day. Kalk really keeps things stable and my sps seemed to take off after I added it to my routine.

 

[jc-reef]

I have a 180 gallon and kalk isnt enough, I have small, medium and a few big sps colonies. I use it for top off and I also use two part. If I didnt use kalk for all my evap. water then I would be using at 4-5 times more two part solution every day. Kalk really keeps things stable and my sps seemed to take off after I added it to my routine.

+1...I use Limewater only and levels remain stable. I also have a 90g which is much easier to manage levels. When you get into larger tanks, there is a point where Kalk will not be able to keep up and additional sources of Ca/Alk will need to be added....especially if you have a heavy stock of stony's. Kalk is an easy and cheap way to suppliment Ca/Alk.

 

[whipit]

I have 180 gal with mostly sps's and still only dose limewater it works for me.

 

[austin93]

So how does everyone dose it? Do you use a reactor? I was hoping I could get it done with just mixing it with my top off water and using a float valve/gravity fed system. I realize i would have to clean out the tubing every once in a while, but other than that would it be a good system?

 

[shifty51008]

i just dump a bunch in my top off container, mix it up and let it settle. after it settles I turn on the ATO, when I need to fill the top off container I just add my RODI water mix it up again and so fourth till the kalk is gone then add more.

 

[oscar.millan]

Kalk only for me, keeps everything happy. Ph right on target as well. I have a gravity fed 5 gallon container behind the wall next to the tank that I fill out about once a week.

I need to get an ATO for this thing, for now I have medical drip end and adjust it every other day to dose as needed.

 

[austin93]

OK, I think I am all in! Going to get the system setup tonight. It may even help me get rid of this dino infestation.

 

[shifty51008]

dino's I have read that keeping your mag at around 1400 - 1500 helps

not sure if you read this artical on limewater but it is a good one.
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2005-01/rhf/index.php

 

[austin93]

I believe that bryopsis is controlled with a high mag level when achieved via kent products. Thanks for the link, I've seen that before and its very helpful.