Mixing Kalk & Adding to Tank

[deputydawg88]

So after three weeks of lockdown, I finally decided to get an RO/DI unit and make up my water at home so I don't have to do an hour round trip to the LFS and I am not confined to weekends if I need to make up new RO/salt water in an emergency.

I have got some Seachem Kalkwasser and all guidance advises to drip the solution into the tank. I don't currently have an ATU, however I will be getting one soon-ish. I have a 25 l jerrycan I keep RO in that I add to the tank via a water change pump into the sump every day or 2-3 days, am I safe to mix the kalk in this and then add as I usually would?

If anyone could provide some step by step guidance, that would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Sk8r]

I jusr stir 2 tsp per gallon into my topoff water. Point of fact, ONLY 2 tsp per gallon will dissolve in fresh water, so if you lose count, excess will fall to the bottom as white stutf, but will dissolve when more fresh water is added. A really big topoff barrel can keep your corals happy for some time when you need to leave town.

 

[Mcgeezer]

Mixing Kalk & Adding to Tank

Mixing Kalk & Adding to Tank

My sump has a built in ATO tank, so what I do is add about 1 gallon of RODI water then put in 2tsp of Kalkwasser per gallon (mine holds around 4 gallons, so about 8tsp)

I stir it with a plastic hanger that I broke apart to get the RODI water heavily saturated. Once stirred, I add in the remaining water. Then I let the Kalkwasser settle to the bottom of the ATO over a couple hours ....once this is done, it's ready to use. I would recommend that you add some straight RODI water to your tank so that your ATO doesn't engage while the Kalkwasser is still settling.

Whatever you do, DO NOT let the settled Kalkwasser powder get into the display tank. When using a pump like I do, try to have it raised above the bottom of the ATO ( I super glued mine to a plastic cap off a spray bottle and cut holes in the cap so it wouldn't float - it sits perfectly above the settled powder and only draws in the saturated limewater.)

Also be sure to not ever let an ATO full of limewater run for extensive periods of time, as the large influx of limewater can cause a severe raise in PH.