Dosing lime help

[Deep Reef]

So I found my CA was running low even with water changes and decided to start dosing lime. I read a number of posts and folks basically just add to their ATO containers. I started doing this but find that at the specified mixing directions the lime seems to settle out. I know this because if I let my ATO run empty and then fill it the water entering my sump has a light cloudiness that then transfers to my tank. This cloudiness clears in about an hour. So my question is, do you run an additional pump in you ATO tank to keep it mixed? By the way my ATO container is 5 gallons. Or should I be thinking about going to 2 part?

 

[DgenR8]

Yeah, you do want to mix that stuff up. I run a Calcium reactor, but also a Kalk reactor like;
http://www.avastmarine.com/ssc/do/category/kalkreactors
They even have a DIY option.
This is the one I run:
http://www.geosreef.com/index.php/products/kalkwasser-reactors

All my top off water goes through that reactor. Ideally, you want your top off to run while the Kalk pump is not running. I have my Kalk pump on a digital timer that allows it to run for 1 minute, twice a day. Hopefully, my ATO doesn't run at those times.

 

[rovster]

Basically you want to mix it once and let it settle out for a couple of hours before turning on your ATO. The solution will stay saturated. A lot of the stuff that settles out you don't want in your tank anyway. Every once in a while clean the container. Make sure your pump is off the bottom so you don't pump the by products into the tank. A Kalk reactor is a bit different because the water flows through it so it needs to be stirred to keep the solution saturated. It's different for a vat that just sits. Make sure you keep it covered. A film will form on the surface, it's nothing to worry about.

Be careful and start slow. Depending on how much your tank evaporates and the demand it's easy to overdose. Also keep I mind that evaporation rates change throughout the seasons so it's not all that consistent. Kalk solution saturates at 2 tsp per gallon. You can supersaturate it by adding vinegar but that is another discussion. I would start at around 1/2 tsp per gallon and go from there. Monitor everything closely at the beginning. Good luck!

 

[Deep Reef]

Would you recommend mixing in another container, letting it settle then pouring it into the ATO resivour?

 

[Deep Reef]

Would dosing 2 part be easier? Just mix the two containers and dose. I have a dosing pump as I use it to dose vinniger

 

[rovster]

You can do that, it's not necessary. It would definitely be "cleaner". As far as should you do it or not, that's up to you to decide. I used to dose Kalk in my biocube but evaporation was low. When I moved to my 30 with a halide and fans my evap was crazy so it was hard to control. I think the best would be to drip at night, or use it in conjunction with two part. The only way to really find out is to try it out. I think it's pretty safe and there is not a whole lot of drawback. I say go for it, just pay attention to your parameters the first few weeks and I would check daily for the first few days to make sure it doesn't spike your levels.

 

[orly20]

Dosing lime help

Listen to Rovster! I've used Kalk in my ato now for about the last year and its worked great for my coral growth. I would think it all depends on tank size and evaporation rate. Start slow and monitor closely you should be fine.

 

[Deep Reef]

Thanks for the advice

 

[AquamanE]

Would you recommend mixing in another container, letting it settle then pouring it into the ATO resivour?

NOOOOO!!!!!!

Mix it in the container your using. Have the pump feed from a few inches from the bottom. stuff sttles at the botton, but the stuff on top is what you want. I have a one inch PVC with my line rubberbanded to the top, therfore it "decants" from the bottom.

You need to search on here in the reef chmistry forum, and look at the randy holmes farley article on kal dosing. If you cant find let me know, ill guide you.

As to your other question regarding 2 part vs Kalk, its a personal preference. I run both.

If tank is new and has little bioload you can just start with Kalk until evaporated dosages exceeds demmand and then you add 2 part. I disagree with Rovster with regards to differnt seasons creating different demmands. That may be true in other areas of the country but here, we are pretty steady with our windows closed 24/7/365 with AC.