kalk = vinegar

[NyReefNoob]

ok question as i have been dosing kalk for a few years but getting ready to start adding vinegar to increase potiancy of it, this is kinda a 2 part question, wont using the vinegar be dosing a carbon source ? i know the recipe for it ect, but curious because i am using the bio-pellets, secondly knowing that vinegar will clean powerheads ect and i have used it to bring ph down but after doing so my coraline seemed lighter, will using this method with kalk effect my coraline ?

 

[aninjaatemyshoe]

wont using the vinegar be dosing a carbon source ?

Yes

will using this method with kalk effect my coraline ?

It could affect the alkalinity and the availability of nutrients in your system, which could affect your coraline. You should monitor these things as you would in any other situation.

 

[bbigelow]

I've been using vinegar in my Kalk for about 8 months now and I haven't seen any negative effects. pH is stable, the coraline hasn't lightened, and my corals are growing vigorously.

 

[Zoa Robber22]

very interesting..

 

[nanojg]

I would start with no more than 15ml of vinegar per gallon of kalk. I jumped in with the full 48ml/gallon without knowing any better and had a huge bacteria bloom. The bloom didnt cause any problems but was ugly and probably would have if I hadnt corrected the dosage.

 

[tmz]

Yes, it is an organic carbon source(acetic acid). Some report bacterial films that form may interfere with coraline surface colonization in some areas. I personally, would not use it if I were using the polymer pellets. If you need to boost carbonate alkalinity and calcium beyond wahtteh kalk gives you you can add a little baking soda and calcium hydroxide from time to time.