Pumps seizing up monthly.

[smatter]

My system is sumpless and limewater is dosed directly into the tank. I have two 6055s, a 9010, and a Nano Cleaner. Would dosing two part instead of limewater increase the amount of time between vinegar baths?

 

[rvitko]

Not necessarily, two part may work better only because there would be no pH spike from the addition which would precipitate lime, but in general, if the kalk is slowly added and the pH doesn't spike, I don't think it would make a difference assuming the same KH and Ca were maintained.

 

[smatter]

I have some Tropic Marin Bio Calcium on hand. It says on the label that it is calcium hydrogencarbonate, so I would think it would raise kH too even though the label does not indicate that. I think it will afford me a bit more control over the limewater. Is there a target I should be shooting for to minimize the build up in the pumps? I know I will always need to clean them, just a little less often would be nice.

 

[rvitko]

In general I strive for 380-420ppm Ca and 10-12 dKH. NSW is generally 360-380 Ca and 8 dKH and I try to just go a little higher since it is a closed system, especially with KH since the extra buffering capacity is needed. I have used the Bio Calcium and it works well but it can jam up the pumps because if you pour it in, I would gently sprinkle it over the surface, slowly.

 

[smatter]

Thanks for the advice. I added a scoop tonight and did sprinkle it in slowly. It disolved quickly on my jacuzzi-like surface. The 6055s really create massive flow in my tank.

 

[shawnz28]

I have some Tropic Marin Bio Calcium on hand. It says on the label that it is calcium hydrogencarbonate, so I would think it would raise kH too even though the label does not indicate that. I think it will afford me a bit more control over the limewater. Is there a target I should be shooting for to minimize the build up in the pumps? I know I will always need to clean them, just a little less often would be nice.

you are correct in your assumption with the BioCalcium raising alk btw

 

[smatter]

Bio Calcium has been out for years too, you think Tropic Marin would have changed the label by now.

 

[smatter]

I just gave my 9010 pump a thorough cleaning. The whole skimmer is running in a vinegar solution now except I didn't have enough vinegar to make enough solution to fill the bucket to immerse the air intake. I cut a little piece of rigid air line tubing and fitted it to some flexible tubing. The rigid end slides right into the air intake and draws up the solution. I was using two gallons of vinegar before. Today I only used a half gallon. I know vinegar is cheap, but it is the improvisation that is a big part of what make this hobby fun for me.