Kalkwasser and two part

[Mcgeezer]

I want to start dosing kalkwasser in my ATO to maintain my Ca,dkh and mg levels....but l have a question.

How often do I need to dose two part if using kalkwasser? I know it maintains these levels very well but obviously it will diminish over time. I currently dose 15ml each of two part every other day and it stays between Ca 400-420 and dkh 9-10

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Depends on the tank demand, measured by alkalinity. I never dose anything except limewater.

 

[Mcgeezer]

Depends on the tank demand, measured by alkalinity. I never dose anything except limewater.

So basically get Ca and dkh to proper levels and just start kalkwasser?

Kind of a set it and forget it method?

 

[bertoni]

It's not quite set it and forget it, but it can be very close. Each tank is different. Some can't get enough calcium and alkalinity with Kalkwasser, and need other supplementation.

 

[Mcgeezer]

The gist of what I'm gathering is dose kalkwasser in the ATO starting with lower doses and then testing to see where you stand. And add 2 part to up your levels as needed as well as adjusting kalkwasser until you achieve the balance your looking for with kalkwasser alone?

 

[SloppyWhenWet]

I found kalk only boosted calcium.

 

[ca1ore]

I have found the best approach, for my high demand tank at least, is to run my Ca reactor, add kalk and then use 2-art dosing to makeup any shortfall.

 

[lafayettereefer]

I would raise my levels to where I want them, start dosing kalk , then test test test. See how much your tank is consuming with the kalk and begin dosing 2 part as needed. If your levels are stable then no need to dose to part.

 

[Mr sea water]

I found kalk only boosted calcium.

I agree with this!

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

I found kalk only boosted calcium.

In general, if you add more than the demand, both will rise, and if you add less than demand, both will fall. Not sure what caused that in your case, but it adds exactly 2.8 dKH of alkalinity for each 20 ppm of calcium. That's also the ratio in calcium carbonate, so it is close to matching the demand ratio.

If you exactly meet the demand for alkalinity, calcium can slowly rise in the long run. It can rise because some magnesium gets into the calcium carbonate formed in the tank, taking the place of calcium. So the actual use in the tank might be 18-20 ppm calcium for each 2.8 dKH, but since that 18-20 is a little less than the actual 20 added, calcium will slowly rise.

For that reason, I like to use a salt mix that is not especially high in calcium to begin with.