Kent Kalk...BOOO! ESV kalk...YEAH!!!

[onthefly]

After setting up my KR 3-4 months ago, I ordered some ESV kalk. However, I still have a bunch of kent kalk left over, so I decided to run through the kent first.

Kalk dose: 1cup/month in KR

KR with KENT Kalk: kept Ca/Alk at 420/7.0 for about 2 weeks, then I needed to suppliment with 2-part until the end of the month.

KR with ESV kalk: Ca/Alk at 460/8.0 for 4 weeks and counting...no dosing!

If you run Kent kalk, do youself a favor and switch to ESV!!!

 

[Amphiprion]

Hmm. I know Kent kalk is inferior to other mixes, but I have never really had trouble with it. Maybe I am biased, since I get it for free, though.

 

[SCR]

I just started using kent, tell me more about ESV. Thanks

 

[Patio]

I am using kent for 100% top off and the calcium is at 300.

 

[aquaman67]

What reactor are you using?

 

[Patio]

is kent inferior to other mixes? is this the word of mouth, or proven? I want to use the best.

 

[onthefly]

Well ESV is food grade and has a finer texture. Some people have had issues with "courser" grades of kalk wearing out the impellers on there mixing pump. That's why I wanted to switch over....I mean I always thought "CaOH is CaOH".

My KR is a 24" tall DYI knock off of the PM KR.

Like I said.....the ONLY change to my system was the type of kalk added (not the dose, the reactor, water, salt, etc.)

 

[Freed]

Mississippi Lime for me. Probably 1/20th the cost and just as good if not better.

 

[samtall]

why better. You cant just say its better. I am trying to be a good comsumer. You said cheaper, what else? Does it mix well is it cloudy? Right now I just used a sample of 2 little fishes product and it is so less cloudy then kent.

 

[Freed]

It mixes well, yes. Is it cloudy? All kalk powders will be cloudy until they settle and depending on the amount of kalk used per amount of water.

 

[Anemonebuff]

Ms Wages Pickling Lime works too.

 

[Freed]

Mrs. Wages turns the water a beige/tan color and smells funky too.

 

[Anemonebuff]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6844280#post6844280 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Freed
Mrs. Wages turns the water a beige/tan color and smells funky too.

No color in mine. If kalk is stored improperly(as it deteriorates) it will smell no matter what brand you use. ESV is basically pickling lime.

 

[RevHtree]

Where can I get some of the Lime? Also how do you mix it? Just like kalk?

 

[Alaskan Reefer]

I don't think there's any significant difference between any brand of kalk or pickling lime -- other than the color of the sediment left in my 44 gallon trash can where I store it. How well it maintains your CA and ALK isn't an issue either, until you get to where kalk at 3 tsp per gallon (supersaturated, you have to use vinegar in the mix to go beyond 2 tsp per gallon) won't cut it. Beyond that, you need to supplement with 2 part or a calcium reactor.

 

[bluenassarius]

its basically all the same stuff w/ a label on it. i use mrs wages..

 

[MIKE NY]

Mrs. Wages here...I've used ESV and it seems to be a higher quality lime it doesn't justify the much higher price paid for it when Mrs. Wages works just as well, but with more residue.

 

[Patio]

I have noticed a huge difference in residue with different product. I donââ"šÂ¬Ã¢"žÂ¢t know if that makes a product more effective or not, but more convenient for sure. former Kent user now two little fishes. You can pour the whole mixture without worry about the bottom junk.

 

[unclereefer]

I've heard that the residue that ends up on the bottom can cause a severe PH drop that is irrepairable. Is this true? I use an IV drip to administer my Kent Kalk and always end up with a bunch of residue. Will another brand help me avoid this?

 

[KevinM]

Ummm....there is no chemistry imbalance in SW that is irrepairable. Also, Kalk powder will RAISE the pH, not lower it. Kalk is very alkaline (or basic).

K