Kalk Dosing In ATO

[nyknicks4412]

I have a 10 gallon nano that I want to dose Kalk in to add some calcium and maintain a more stable PH. Have all the necessary test kits and know not to dose something I can't test for. My question is, when dosing in an ATO would this be the only product I need?

http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/store...lkwasser-calcium-hydroxide-for-aquariums.html

And does this seem like a good idea to do? PH is all over the place during the day and night so.

 

[drparker]

Kalk is used to replace calcium and alkalinity as your corals use it. You need to get those parameters in line before dosing, kalk is not used to adjust the numbers. Kalk raises pH but temporarily, so a lot of people add it add night when the pH naturally drops.

If your calcium and alkalinity numbers are low bring those up with 2-part additives first. Then figure-out how much calcium is used by your corals to determine if you should dose kalk.

 

[nyknicks4412]

Kalk is used to replace calcium and alkalinity as your corals use it. You need to get those parameters in line before dosing, kalk is not used to adjust the numbers. Kalk raises pH but temporarily, so a lot of people add it add night when the pH naturally drops.

If your calcium and alkalinity numbers are low bring those up with 2-part additives first. Then figure-out how much calcium is used by your corals to determine if you should dose kalk.

Can I just dose 2-part by putting it in my tank directly? Once my parameters are stable will dosing the above product in my ATO help maintain them?

 

[drparker]

Yes you can, but you need to be very careful if dosing in the DT, go slow, so as not to shock anything. Think drops not pouring. When mine are off it takes days to slowing get it back in line.

I strongly suggest you check out the Reef Chemistry for beginners articles, Get good understanding of pH, calcium, Alkalinity and magnesium and how they relate to each other. Also read about 2- part and different recipes.

Yes once you get the numbers in line kalk will help replace what the corals are using. Do you need full strength, will it be enough all depends on how much stony coral you have and how much it's growing.

 

[bertoni]

I'd start with a 2-part, personally. I'm not sure I'd bother with a lime drip for a 10g system, unless the pH was very low. What sort of pH range are you seeing?