Randy's 2 Part to Kalkwasser conversion

[aquaphilic]

With daily additions of 55 ml (each part) of Randy's 2 Part recipe #1, my system (about 60 gal total volume) maintains:

Calcium 435
Alk 3.25 meq/L

I would like to switch to Kalkwasser dosed with a LiterMeter.

Assuming a saturated (2tsp/gal) kalkwasser solution, about what daily volume would provide the equivalent Calc/Alk of 55 ml of Randy's 2 part?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

One cannot make an exact conversion as the demand changes as ph changes, but my Recipe #1 is about 45 times more potent that saturated limewater. So dosing 100 mL of each part per day is similar to dosing 4.5 L of limewater.

 

[aquaphilic]

Perfect. That will give me the ballpark starting point I was looking for. Thanks.

 

[dlcan]

Re: Randy's 2 Part to Kalkwasser conversion

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9390901#post9390901 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by aquaphilic
With daily additions of 55 ml (each part) of Randy's 2 Part recipe #1, my system (about 60 gal total volume) maintains:

Calcium 435
Alk 3.25 meq/L

I would like to switch to Kalkwasser dosed with a LiterMeter.

Assuming a saturated (2tsp/gal) kalkwasser solution, about what daily volume would provide the equivalent Calc/Alk of 55 ml of Randy's 2 part?

hi aquaphilic, I'm starting to consider the use of either 2 part system or limewater, but not sure which one is good for my Ocanic 29Gal mix tank. I noticed that you plan to switch from 2 part to limewater... what is the reason for the switch ? if you find that the use of limewater is better, I might as well start with the final solution, ie: limewater. comments ? ...

 

[aquaphilic]

The 2 part works great and you wouldn't need much for a 29 g, so I think it would be a good option for you. This is especially true if you don't have alot of space to store the larger volume that a kalkwasser set-up might require.

I decided to switch because I want to automate my system and eliminate daily additions by hand. I could automate the 2 part additions but would need an extra pump, and would still have to take the time to make up the solutions. Kalkwasser just seems easier for this application, plus it is what Randy Holmes-Farley uses for his own tank. That really influenced my decision.

 

[dlcan]

hi aquaphilic - based on your experience, you are going to just use one (limewater) instead of the 2part. Now if I remember correctly, that you can premix the 2part after its prepared, and since they are always apply in equal portion, that you don't really need to use an extra pump... right ? or am I misunderstood the application of the 2part solution ? as I was planning to premix the 2part if I do decided to use this recipe..... but somehow someone else suggested that I should use both ... ie use 2parts for Calcium & Alkalinity and then use Limewater to moniter the pH.... that is why I'm still sitting on the fence as I am doing more research and reading on this very topic..... appreciate any further comments ....

 

[Fishbulb2]

You cannot mix the 2 part solution. It will precipitate out rapidly into CaCO3. This is why two containers and pumps must be used.

 

[dlcan]

hi fishbulb2 - now I'm really confused.... as I read the '2parts' recipe from Randy.... under 'Recipe#1' - the 2nd line from the first paragra indicated that 'The solutions can be mixed and stored in any plastic or glass container, and they will last indefinitely.'.....
so my plan was to pre-mix a bunch and so I thought..... sounds like (from what you had pointed out about -precipitate out-') these 2 parts should never be mixed !!!! mmm Randy - am I reading it wrong ?? ....

 

[ostrow]

You mix each part, and each can be stored indefinitely.

But you do not mix them together. Thus the "2-part" label.

On that same note, label each container clearly, for once one is used for alk you never want to switch that container to calcium, and vice versa.

Nor do you ever want to swap the delivery tubing for each.

Separate, separate separate!

 

[dlcan]

hi ostrow - thanks for pointing out the obvious..... I'm glad I asked as I almost make the major mistake before I even start.... ok - separate, and separate they will.....

 

[aquaphilic]

My tank is mixed reef and the 2 part easily kept up with the calcium and alkalinity demand. I doubt that you will need kalk at all if you go with the 2 part.

Make sure you read the article that Randy wrote carefully and you will be fine, it is very clear. BTW, 2 part is a bit of a misnomer. You will end up with 3 solutions.