Pickeling Lime

[Jamie2337]

I know we have been over this topic a few times, but I have to askthings again...

I am using B Ioinic to dose my tank. I know some people use Kalkwasser or homade recipies. When I bought my tank a case of "Mrs Wages Pickeling Lime" came with it. Exactly what is this used for?

Is there an inexpesive way to dose without a calcium reactor? I cannot do any more large purchases right now. Are the Kent Plastic jug dosing systems worthwhile or a piece of junk? The B Ionic is getting a little expensive.

Thanks!:rollface:

 

[dalbrecht]

This is a kalkwasser source. You disolve a teaspoon or two into your top off water and slowly drip it into the tank. The kent plastic jug dosing system is perfect for this although I just punched a hole in the bottom of a 1 gallon water jug. You need to clean the doser occaisonally due to calcium carbonate build up.

 

[ri]

Have you tried making your own B-Ionic?

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-02/rhf/index.php

ri

 

[dalbrecht]

kalk isn't as good a booster as B-Ionic & other 2 part additives. It's rather limited in how much you can add due to it's low disolution in water and impact on tank pH. That said, it is useful to boost calcium. Especially if you have a lower pH in your tank due to using one of the DIY 2 Part formulas that tend to reduce pH or a calcium reactor.

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

Re: Pickeling Lime

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6854635#post6854635 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Jamie2337
I know we have been over this topic a few times, but I have to askthings again...

I am using B Ioinic to dose my tank. I know some people use Kalkwasser or homade recipies. When I bought my tank a case of "Mrs Wages Pickeling Lime" came with it. Exactly what is this used for?

Is there an inexpesive way to dose without a calcium reactor? I cannot do any more large purchases right now. Are the Kent Plastic jug dosing systems worthwhile or a piece of junk? The B Ionic is getting a little expensive.

Thanks!:rollface:

How many pounds of pickling lime in a case ? :lol:
Are you testing Ca and alkalinity, Jamie?
Pickling lime is food grade calcium hydroxide. Calcium hydroxide is used to prepare kalkwasser (limewater). Kalkwasser boosts alkalinity, calcium and pH. Saturated kalk should be dosed slowly at night when aquarium pH is lowest. All my makeup water for evaporation has always been kalkwasser.
Kalkwasser can supplement a two part Ca/alk supplement (like B-ionic) to make the stuff last longer.

 

[Jamie2337]

Yes, I am testing for Ca and Alk. CA is running 430-450. Alk is between medium and high No numbers on the color chart)...I gotta upgrade that test kit! I will have to check out how many pounds are in a case, but it is 8 or 10 containers.

How do you know how much to dose? How do I know when it is needed? How would you dose slowly at night? I have several IV lines from work that I picked up in case I needed them. I use them to drip new arrivials because you can ajust the flow easily on them.

I have also seen IV dosing pumps for sale that are similiar to the fluid pumps we use at work. Are they approriete for use in this situation?

I have looked at the recipie to make your own B-Ionic. I am a little unsure of putting something I made in the tank...I am not the best cook in the world...I would hate to mess up my levels!

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6860801#post6860801 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Jamie2337
How do you know how much to dose? How do I know when it is needed? How would you dose slowly at night?

This is what I would do:
replace all evaporated water with limewater. Drip limewater in at night with some type of drip device. (A milkjug with a hole poked near the bottom can even be used. Avoid getting the white sludge in your aquarium.) Monitor Ca and alk and dose B-ionic to bring levels up if/whenever needed.