help selecting approach to supplementing tank

[pascal32]

Next step in my venture is to start supplementing the tank.

I'm a little confused on which way to go:

1) 2-part (no kalkwasser)
http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/store/two-part-calcium-and-alkalinity-total-package-small-2.html

2) 2-part with kalkwasser:
http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/store/kalkwasser-starter-package.html

They seem to be the same idea - though I believe (correct me here) that the kalkwasser approach will help me raise my PH (I'm slightly low)

Also, what are the recommendations for dosing - should I spend the money on a dosing pump? My sump area is pretty tight, I can fit a gallon jug, anything more is going to be tough unless I put in a platform.

lastly - I saw some great writeups on the order in which to use Randy's 2-part (http://worldwidereefers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=316&highlight=magnesium)- is there something similar for the kalkwasser? Seems that kalkwasser is very similar to Randy's...

thanks!

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

have you read this?

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/feb2003/chem.htm

 

[pascal32]

Thanks for the link. I think I finally understand this. Two part doses calcium and alkalinity seperately, whereas the kalkwasser does it together. The starter kit comes with two part to get thelevels where they should be and kalk to maintain. The two part can be used to make adjustment as needed from there.

 

[cardiffgiant]

Bingo!

Are your levels low now? In my experience, I was able to maintain levels with regular 10% water changes for a while. My demand grew slightly and I was able to maintain levels with kalk. Now I use a combo of kalk and 2 part.

I recommend getting the calcium chloride and kalk from BRS, and then making your own Alk part with baked baking soda. I would also get the manesium chloride from BRS and mix with epsom salts for the magnesium part.

Some folks use driveway heat or dow flake for the calcium chloride in 2 part. I don't personally, but BJ's has a 50lbs ucket of calcium chloride for $20, with is 30% of the price of the BRS pharmaceutical grade calcium chloride.

 

[pascal32]

Yeah, my ca level seems to always be low, all i can think of is that I have a lot of coraline algae. It sure isn't the 4 medium xanias! I just added some corals so I'm more concerned with getting the levels up.

To get started I ordered the kalk starter kit from BRS. I will probably expirement down the road, right now it seems like the best choice.

Thanks for the help!

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

Bingo!

I recommend getting the calcium chloride and kalk from BRS, and then making your own Alk part with baked baking soda. I would also get the manesium chloride from BRS and mix with epsom salts for the magnesium part.

this is excellent advice and I second the recommendation.

This is where to start.

 

[tmz]

BRS has very good products in my opinion.baking soda, baked or unbaked, is great for alkalinity


FYI:
2part adds calcium chloride for calcium and carbonate/bicarbonate for alkainity.

Kalk( caclium hydroxide ) adds calcium . The hydroxide binds with CO2 to creates CO3 and HCO3 (carbonate /bicarbonate).The amount of alkalinity and calcium created/ added are balanced. The use of CO2 results in a ph rise.

2 part( or 1 part) can be used with or without kalk.

Keeping magnesium north of 1300ppm is important too.A low magnesium level encourages precipitation of calcium carbonate and thus make it hard to keep calcium and alkalinity high.

 

[pascal32]

Thanks for all the great info. The shipment should be here on Friday. I've never tested mg so I ordered the kit (elos as they were out of salifert).

Looking forward to the next step in reefing!