kalk drip

[civics14]

First of all, I haven't set up a tank yet, I just been getting everything ready and reading up as much as I can to avoid costly mistakes.

I understand mixing 2 tsp to 1 gallon of water, then letting it settle, and dripping only the clear part. Also, that it can increase PH significantly, hence why a slow drip is required.

So, what I don't understand about kalk drips is where is it dripped into? I did some google searches and some say to drip it into the return section of the sump while others say to drip it into the drain section. Any experience on which method is preferred and why? Also, if it drips into the return section, any ill effect on the pump? Does it clog up? Needs to be cleaned more often?

Then there are those that say to put it in the ATO water. I'm confused about this as well, so, do you mix the limewater with ro/di then pour it into your ATO reservoir and use that as a top off? Or does it actually drip into the ATO reservoir?

 

[jbdreefs]

I have mixed the kalk and then added the clear mixture in with my ATO water before with some success. The amount you mix with the ATO water will depend on how much water loss you incur.

 

[civics14]

so, another question, do you determine how much kalk based upon keeping PH stable or the demand for calcium in the tank?

 

[jbdreefs]

I don't really know how to answer that question...

my method of determining the amount was by starting with a small dosage followed my monitoring the effects. If my calcium and alkaline were declining, I tried adding more kalk solution the next go around when filling my ATO container. Then repeat until I reached a desirable outcome.

 

[civics14]

sorry, I mean, do you consider the increase of your PH? Or do you just consider how much calc & alk your tank needs?

 

[civics14]

Bassett22;1001534 wrote: If your adding kalk to your top off water, you are limited by how much your tank evaporates. you can top off with 100% kalk solution, but at that point, your dumping large amounts in at once. so it would be better to drip into the sump. I prefer to drip into the 1st chamber in a sump so the kalk has a little time to mix in with water before being pumped up to the display, but Im betting there really isnt much difference in anywhere you drip it.

with all that being said, I think your a little too worried about kalk. You dont have a tank setup yet, you dont have any corals eating up your calcium or alk, You can maintain these at first with just water changes. it will take some time for your tank to need any dosing.

thanks for clarifying, that was what i was confused about by adding kalk into the ato reservoir.

yes, you're correct, however I do like to take all the information in before having to worry about it later on down the road.

thanks again for the answers everyone.

 

[tonymission]

Bassett22;1001533 wrote: You should focus on your calcium and alk needs. but you cant dump too much kalk at once or else it will effect your ph in a negative way. If your demand is higher, you need to drip a more concentrated mixture, or drip it longer through the day/night but still slowly.

This. Don't worry too much about ph and definitely don't chase a number assuming you're between 7.8-8.3. Chasing numbers with buffers and all that can lead to more harm than good.

Calcium will typically balance with alkalinity. Couldn't tell you the last time I checked my Ca but my corals are starting to take off and I'm obsessed with staying on top of my ALK consumption... It's increasing daily and I'm testing 2-3 times a day to keep it as stable as possible.

 

[picoreefguy]

i only read the first couple posts but this video should help a little. and as far as where in the sump you drip it, it dosent really matter it will get into the system either way but i would drip it into the drain section so that way it has a longer time to dilute with your tank water before it gets to your display tank.