low KH
- Thread starter M. Python
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If alkalinity is dropping, then you are not adding enough limewater to meet the demand (or perhaps are adding it in such a way that pH rises too much).
The things that contribute to demand are calcification by corals and coralline algae (which is higher at higher alkalinity and pH) and abiotic deposition of calcium carbonate, which is accelerated by higher calcium, alkalinity, and especially high pH, and by low magnesium.
How much are you adding? How are you adding it?
What is in your tank?
The things that contribute to demand are calcification by corals and coralline algae (which is higher at higher alkalinity and pH) and abiotic deposition of calcium carbonate, which is accelerated by higher calcium, alkalinity, and especially high pH, and by low magnesium.
How much are you adding? How are you adding it?
What is in your tank?
I dose it 24/7 from a five gallon bucket that is toped of with RO water through a Kent float valve. The line from the bucket to the sump has a valve to control drip rate. I have another float in the sump to top off fresh with fresh RO water if the drip rate is slower then evaporation.
This is where I think have a problem.
In the bucket I have a power head to mix the calk for a half hour a day. I am using the bucket as a cheap Kalkwasser stirrer because Im lazy. At some point solids may enter the sump. Do you think this is the problem?
I have, SPS, LPS and leather corals, with some acropora and a lot of montipora cap.
This is where I think have a problem.
In the bucket I have a power head to mix the calk for a half hour a day. I am using the bucket as a cheap Kalkwasser stirrer because Im lazy. At some point solids may enter the sump. Do you think this is the problem?
I have, SPS, LPS and leather corals, with some acropora and a lot of montipora cap.
If the pH is not getting too high by dosing too fast, then it is more likely that the limewater you are getting out is not very potent. In between stirrings, you are letting water in, but perhaps not dissolving much additional lime, sending unsaturated limewater to the tank.
So you might meet the demand by somehow dosing saturated limewater, or dosing more (by, say, increasing evaporation).
Or you can just use a two part system in addition to the limewater.
So you might meet the demand by somehow dosing saturated limewater, or dosing more (by, say, increasing evaporation).
Or you can just use a two part system in addition to the limewater.
Adding vinegar might help a bit, but the problem is that you may not be limited by the solubility of the lime, but by physical mixing. Adding 45 ml of vinegar per gallon of the limewater might be somemthing to try, however.
B-ionic is a fine two part additive, as are some other brands, or you can make your own:
An Improved Do-it-Yourself Two-Part Calcium and Alkalinity Supplement System
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-02/rhf/index.php
B-ionic is a fine two part additive, as are some other brands, or you can make your own:
An Improved Do-it-Yourself Two-Part Calcium and Alkalinity Supplement System
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-02/rhf/index.php
So Basically Dowflake or calcium chloride will mix up the same as turbo calcium and you dose it the same? Iââ"šÂ¬Ã¢"žÂ¢m going to make the alkalinity part also. I guess I should test for calcium and alkalinity more frequently to adjust the dosage.
Recipe #2, Part 3B using Epsom salts has me a little worried. Have you used all these additives and are they as stable as using other supplements? Do you continue to do so?
I will start testing for magnesium as well, I would like to use all your recipes it would save a lot of money.
Recipe #2, Part 3B using Epsom salts has me a little worried. Have you used all these additives and are they as stable as using other supplements? Do you continue to do so?
I will start testing for magnesium as well, I would like to use all your recipes it would save a lot of money.
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So Basically Dowflake or calcium chloride will mix up the same as turbo calcium and you dose it the same? Iââ"šÂ¬Ã¢"žÂ¢m going to make the alkalinity part also.
Yes, Kent Turbo Calcium is calcium chloride.
Recipe #2, Part 3B using Epsom salts has me a little worried. Have you used all these additives and are they as stable as using other supplements? Do you continue to do so?
I don't use it at all, because I prefer automated limewater, but many people have used it for at least 2 years.
My Home Depot has a magnesium ice melt also. What is this and can you use this for a mag supplement?
I guess it would be Magnesium Chloride.
That depends on the brand, and what else, if anything, is in it. I describe in the article the brand that is OK (Dead Sea Works MAG Flake or Pellet).
Yes, Kent Turbo Calcium is calcium chloride.
Recipe #2, Part 3B using Epsom salts has me a little worried. Have you used all these additives and are they as stable as using other supplements? Do you continue to do so?
I don't use it at all, because I prefer automated limewater, but many people have used it for at least 2 years.
My Home Depot has a magnesium ice melt also. What is this and can you use this for a mag supplement?
I guess it would be Magnesium Chloride.
That depends on the brand, and what else, if anything, is in it. I describe in the article the brand that is OK (Dead Sea Works MAG Flake or Pellet).
How do you add magnesium?
On rare occasion, I boost the aquarium with MAG Flake if necessary. But I also boost each batch of new salt water (Instant Ocean) with with some MAG flake to give it higher magnesium. I do routine 1% (or more) water changes each day.
On rare occasion, I boost the aquarium with MAG Flake if necessary. But I also boost each batch of new salt water (Instant Ocean) with with some MAG flake to give it higher magnesium. I do routine 1% (or more) water changes each day.
You're welcome.
Happy reefing.
Happy reefing.
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