Low Alk ... will Kalkwasser Reactor help

[reeferNo99]

I have read that instead of just using RO water for top off, we should be using Kalkwasser Water, well RO Kalkwasser water.

My question is Kalkwasser water adds ALK to the tank right, then how is CA added to the tank..

I have tried reading many threads, but I am soo lost..
I have a softy tank and my ALK is always falling,
So I was thinking of getting a Kalkwasser Reactor to help keep my Alk @ a normal level.

Can some explain the Kalkwasser effect on Ca and Alk in Newbiew terms please..

Also i was think of getting this recator
http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merc...OD&Product_Code=GEO-NR&Category_Code=creactor

Thax

 

[jmait769]

reeferNo99 - This is an excellent article about Kalk/Limewater written by Randy Holmes-Farley from the The Reef Chemistry Forum: http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2005-01/rhf/index.php

I’m no expert but for a short answer basically adding kalk is really used more to maintain the Alk and Calcium levels. Also, Kalk adds both Alk and calcium. I have added a ReefTek stirrer using a Tunze Osmolator for top-off on my system. I have found that I still have to supplement calcium. My alk stays high. That article should help!

HTH

Jay

 

[bertoni]

Baking soda dissolved in RO-DI water can be used as a one-time fix for low alkalinity. This calculator should help with a dose:

http://home.comcast.net/~jdieck1/chem_calc3.html

Lime is a good way to maintain calcium and alkalinity going forward. This article lists a number of approaches:

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/feb2003/chem.htm

 

[reeferNo99]

thax guys...

So for a softy and LPS tank i dont need a Ca recator..

I will just buy a kalk reactor and thats should keep thing more stable.. right...

Also id some could tell me why the PH drops @ night..


you guys are very helpful..

Thanks Again

 

[jdieck]

Increases in dissolved CO2 in the water accounts for the drop of PH at night when photosynthesis; which consumes CO2 is at its lowest.

 

[papagimp]

ReeferNo99: I have had a predominatly LPS tank with some softies and some SPS for awhile now, 55g with 10g refugium. And in this whole time, I've yet to have to add ALK or CA supplements at all. And the tanks been up for little over a year now. You only need a reactor and supplements if your tank needs it. My Ph hold stable at 7.9, calcium hold 420ppm, and alk runs 8-9dKH. Never fluctuates from this. And I still get awesome growth, polyp extention, and overall appearance of my tank. I maintaine this with water changes alone. No other supplements added to the system at all. if it ain't broke....

fwiw, I realize my ALK and PH run a little low, I attribute this to high levels of CO2 in the house. Nothing I can really do about the problem currently so I simple deal with it. The levels are not ideal, but enough to work. Stability is often more important than the actual numbers involved.