SPS Kalk query

[simon48]

I am currently running a 285 gallon sps dominated 5 year old system utilizing the balling method via a GHL doser adding bicarb,calcium flakes. I am sick of nuisance algae blooms and having to adjust alk dosage and am considering using Kalk stirrer instead in order to stabilize things better. Without sounding thick i have some rudimentary questions:

How is kalk best controlled for addition to tank?

I currently use a tunze osmolator for replacing evap how is this utilized?

What are the benefits of adding vinegar dosing and how is this done in unison with kalk?

If the kalk doesn't satisfy the cal demand can i still supplement with flakes?

On this size system would it be more beneficail to also use cal reactor instead or can i just stick with dosing as supplementary method?

I have never used kalk before and have been reading how some people use a reservoir as opposed to stirrer how are either used exactly in terms of accurately replacing evap water?

 

[naterealbig]

How is kalk best controlled for addition to tank?

I prefer a kalk reactor. Some prefer a drip, some prefer a direct addition of the lime to an ATO container. There are pro's and con's to each method, and you will get many different answers to this question.

I currently use a tunze osmolator for replacing evap how is this utilized?

If you mean "how is the ATO utilized for addition of kalk" then; you add the appropriate amount of kalk to the top off container, and it will be dosed when the ATO adds water to the aquarium.

What are the benefits of adding vinegar dosing and how is this done in unison with kalk?

In short, the vinegar allows more kalk to be dissolved in a given volume, than could be dissolved in regular water. This allows for a larger dose of kalk, and will also be a carbon addition to the tank, if this is something you prefer.

If the kalk doesn't satisfy the cal demand can i still supplement with flakes?

Yes

On this size system would it be more beneficail to also use cal reactor instead or can i just stick with dosing as supplementary method?

Whether or not it is more beneficial, is dependent on what you are trying to get out of the system. If you have the dosing pump and supplies, then weigh the cost and convenience of this vice the cost and convenience of a new calcium reactor setup ( reactor, CO2 bottle, quality regulator, etc).

I have never used kalk before and have been reading how some people use a reservoir as opposed to stirrer how are either used exactly in terms of accurately replacing evap water?

The fundamental difference between the two is: A reservoir is dedicated to adding top-off water to the tank, and can have the benefit off adding calcium and alkalinity to the aquarium. A stirrer is dedicated to adding saturated kalkwasser to the tank, with the added benefit of providing some top-off water as well. Keep in mind it would be a rare case that the exact amount of kalkwasser you need to meet your tanks demands happens to be the exact volume of saturated lime water.

Take some time and do some reading. There are very many current threads dedicated to the explanation and experiences of kalk, calcium reactors, and balling. Check the chemistry forum, you can probably find 10 threads on this very subject on the first few pages.

Additionally, reading through the articles written by Randy Holmes Farley will explain absolutely everything you need to know. Start with his article on calcium, alkalinity, and magnesium in a reef tank. Look at articles written about the calcium reactors, and kalkwasser. Also peruze the stickies in the chemistry forum.

 

[simon48]

Thank you for taking the time to reply I'll do some research as suggested.

 

[naterealbig]

No problem Simon. I wish I had the time to answer all the questions in more detail, but the information could easily fill a small book. Begin by grasping a basic understanding of calcium and alkalinity, and go from there. Remember, research does not necessarily mean that you have to be able to regurgitate detailed chemical reactions .

After you have done some reasearch, feel free to come back and ask more specific questions. I'll keep the thread book-marked for a while. Also, the chemistry forum is a wealth of knowledge, and something I haven't been able to find in any other site dedicated to marine life. Several of the moderators and participating members have Ph.D's and are published in this very subject.

Welcome to the forums, and good luck with your reefing endeavours.

 

[simon48]

No problem Simon. I wish I had the time to answer all the questions in more detail, but the information could easily fill a small book. Begin by grasping a basic understanding of calcium and alkalinity, and go from there. Remember, research does not necessarily mean that you have to be able to regurgitate detailed chemical reactions .

After you have done some reasearch, feel free to come back and ask more specific questions. I'll keep the thread book-marked for a while. Also, the chemistry forum is a wealth of knowledge, and something I haven't been able to find in any other site dedicated to marine life. Several of the moderators and participating members have Ph.D's and are published in this very subject.

Welcome to the forums, and good luck with your reefing endeavours.

You are so right re grasping a basic understanding, at the moment i have posted another thread in order to clarify a starting position by which to commence dosing kalk as well as 2 part. I have an established 6 year old system and like many others find that whilst i could initially be sated by rudimentary knowledge of cause and effect of what i was doing i know have to gain a more detailed understanding in order to further enhance the quality of the animals environment under my care. Fascinating isn't it!
It never ceases to amaze me the depth of knowledge there is out there, let alone the generosity by which it imparted!

 

[naterealbig]

You are so right re grasping a basic understanding, at the moment i have posted another thread in order to clarify a starting position by which to commence dosing kalk as well as 2 part. I have an established 6 year old system and like many others find that whilst i could initially be sated by rudimentary knowledge of cause and effect of what i was doing i know have to gain a more detailed understanding in order to further enhance the quality of the animals environment under my care. Fascinating isn't it!
It never ceases to amaze me the depth of knowledge there is out there, let alone the generosity by which it imparted!

Glad to hear things are coming along! You are right; there is a wealth of knowledge to be shared here, and we are always learning new things. I have been in the hobby for over 15 years, and it seems the more I learn, the more I realize I don't know. I am happy you are finding your answers, and you are going about it the right way. It is always better to do your reading first, and then ask the questions .

Good luck, and keep us posted!

 

[simon48]

Just a note to say thanks to your advice i have successfully made the part transition to KALK/2 Part dosing and everything is going very well.

 

[hypnoj]

depending on how sps dominant your tank is, you still might want to look deeply into Ca reactors. Going without a Ca reactor in a small tank, isn't a huge deal, but a tank your size, it'll probably be worth it.