Simultaneous Kalk Reactor Dosing

[ReefAddict1]

Wondering if it's okay to dose my tank with Strontium by adding it to my Kalk Reactor. Is there any issue with strontium reacting or settling in the reactor contents? I've been using Reef Advantage Strontium powder by hand, about twice a week and wanted to make it a bit easier by dosing automatically.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

You can put strontium into limewater OK, but I don't see how it would work in a reactor. It will all dissolve with the first water through it. It is more soluble than calcium hydroxide, and even if not, is nowhere near its solubility limit anyway.

 

[ReefAddict1]

Thanks Randy. So is it preferable to dose strontium from a separate (drip) dosing container vs. mixing / dosing with the kalk creactor? I was just hoping to eliminate too much tubing and more controllers. Thanks.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Well, I don't recommend dosing it at all, but if you do, you can dose it from a limewater reservoir, or by itself.

 

[ReefAddict1]

Heheh... I hear ya on the dosing. I'm actually thinking about stopping when my suppy runs out to see if it makes any difference. I've read mixed things and change 10% water once a month, but I'm beginning to doubt the need for strontium (and magnesium) dosing/measuring.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Here are some articles on them:

Strontium
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/nov2003/chem.htm

Magnesium
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/oct2003/chem.htm

Magnesium and Strontium in Limewater
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/dec2003/chem.htm