Kalkwasser Overdose

jener8tionx

New member
Something went wrong and my kalkwasser top-off overflowed and 5 gal of top-off (I had just refilled it the day before) emptied into the tank. The PH was too high to test >> 9. Tissue was coming off off everything including the fish. I emptied 10 gal and mixed up 5, then 5 more gallons of ASW and got it into the tank. I went to bed and the PH was still too high to measure. This morning, I did another 5 gal. So far the only casualty was a [dying] plate coral. The stylo isn't looking great though. Now there is white powder residue on the rocks and pumps. I will try to clean it off in a couple days once everything is settled down. Pics:

Last Night:
kalk_crash_1.jpg


Today:
kalk_crash_2.jpg
 
The white powder is calcium precipitation caused by the high alk. May also be kalk solids. Not a problem either way. Ph is the issue. You need to get it below 8.6. You can use club soda and or white vinegar to reduce it. Once it is down give the tank time to stabilize do a partial water change and clean your pumps.
 
Thanks. I did some frantic searching and saw the vinegar thing, but wasn't sure how much to add so I did the best I could with just water changes.
 
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